On The Pacific Ocean

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On the Pacific Ocean in Southern California

We stayed overnight near Camarillo so we’d be near our departure point on the Pacific Ocean.

On the Pacific Ocean in Southern California

Caroline, Jutta, and I were on board a boat heading out to the Channel Islands.

On the Pacific Ocean in Southern California

It was a perfect day.

Jutta Engelhardt and Caroline Wise On the Pacific Ocean in Southern California

With calm oceans, the sun shining, and a slight coolness in the air, but for a late November day, it was perfect weather.

On the Pacific Ocean in Southern California

When we arrived at the islands, the step to get off the boat was a bit precarious and left me more nervous than Caroline and her mom. With some cajoling, I convinced them it was better to stay on board. Lucky for us, the Captain of our craft was good with that and took us on a slow tour of the island.

On the Pacific Ocean in Southern California

We learned more about the history of the island and efforts to preserve it. Spotted this natural arch and some scuba divers who were close to the mouth of the inlet.

On the Pacific Ocean in Southern California

The waters were obviously clear. On a nearby rock outcropping, a bunch of cormorants were sunning their wings, just enjoying the day as we were.

Jutta Engelhardt On the Pacific Ocean in Southern California

I have to admit that it was often difficult to see the still hurt little girl inside my sometimes brusk mother-in-law. She didn’t really want to have a sense of humor, but she knew how to laugh, and it’s always been a delight when it comes out of her. I never really know if she enjoys everywhere, we take her or if she’s just happy to hang out with us and see our happiness. I’ll miss this smile when it’s gone; I hope it lives on within me for the rest of my life.

Jutta Engelhardt and Caroline Wise On the Pacific Ocean in Southern California

I cannot tell you how this smiling woman is gracing me with such a beautiful gaze, but I know I love her dearly. Today was a bit difficult because of me as I really kind of insisted we stay on the boat, and they both knew I was a bit disappointed. They tried reassuring me that we should try to have Jutta step off the boat but my sense was too strong that Jutta’s strength wasn’t there if she were to slip. So, through what likely appeared as gnashed teeth, I told them I was fine. They both knew better. Not to say we didn’t have a great time on the ocean exploring the island from near the shore but they know I can be difficult. It’ll weigh heavily on me that these memories of not always being easy to deal with.

Caroline Wise and Jutta Engelhardt at the Red Lion Tavern in Los Angeles, California

Back on land and down south, we stopped in at the Red Lion Tavern in the Silver Lake district of Los Angeles for some German food. Not only did my mother-in-law finish that big dark beer but she had a couple of shots of Kirschwasser, and I think it was those two drinks that did her in as she was pretty tipsy as we were leaving. The day closed out with us checking into a motel before heading back to Phoenix the next morning.

Jutta in the California Desert

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Jutta Engelhardt and Caroline Wise at Joshua Tree National Park in California

After a good long rest to get over jetlag, we were on our first getaway with a weekend trip to California.

Joshua Tree National Park in California

Our first stop was at the Joshua Tree National Park.

Joshua Tree National Park in California

We took our time strolling through the desert so Jutta gets a nice close look at the details of what lives here.

Joshua Tree National Park in California

From dragonflies to tarantulas, we spotted more than a few signs of wildlife calling this home.

Jutta Engelhardt at Joshua Tree National Park in California

I’ve said it before, but it bears saying again: it might have taken me a long time to get my mother-in-law to show us a natural smile, but she finally got it figured out.

Joshua Tree National Park in California

Along the way, Caroline has been doing a workbook so she could earn her Junior Ranger badge. While Jutta is actively participating in helping Caroline, the prize will be Caroline’s alone.

Caroline Wise at Joshua Tree National Park in California

Back at the visitor center, Caroline turned in her research and studied answers and was once again sworn in as a Junior Ranger.

Mother and Daughter

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Jutta Engelhardt and her Daughter Caroline Wise in Phoenix, Arizona

This visit with Jutta will be different than all of her previous vacations to America. This is a slow trip. During the other times in the United States, we always had epic road trips across America in order for her to catch up on a lifetime of never having been here. We wanted her to see as much as possible and so we took her to New York City and the Statue of Liberty, the White House in Washington D.C., the Florida Keys for snorkeling, New Orleans, Yellowstone, the Grand Canyon, Death Valley, Alcatraz, and a thousand points between. With her hip limiting her mobility and her strength not what it used to be, we are taking it easy and just letting her spend time with us in our normal routine. Of course, there will be some short excursions but nothing too taxing.

Jutta Back Behind The Wheel

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Jutta Engelhardt driving in Colorado

Fresh off the plane and on our way south. When I offered Jutta the opportunity to drive the car, she jumped at the chance. On a previous visit back in 2005, she also took the wheel with me out on a road trip, the first time in more than 20 years since she’d driven last. I thought she might be too jet-lagged to be sharp about things, but I guess the thought of driving once more in America was the jolt of energy that cleared away that fog.

El Camino Family Restaurant in Socorro, New Mexico

To not fatigue Jutta or have her gimp hip sitting too long in the car, we stayed in Socorro, New Mexico, for the night. This was not her first time here. During the winter of 2007, we dragged her out for New Year’s Day to Bosque Del Apache National Wildlife Refuge on an icy morning for her to witness the lift-off of some 30,000 snow geese at the break of dawn. She also ate here at El Camino Family Restaurant, as we always eat here, some days even multiple times a day.

Jutta Engelhardt at El Camino Family Restaurant in Socorro, New Mexico

After dinner, we had pie and coffee while kicking back at the diner. That’s the American way.

Boulder, Colorado

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Boulder, Colorado

Took the day to drive up to Denver, Colorado, on a mission to pick up my mother-in-law, Jutta. Earlier in the year, she fell and broke her hip. While visiting her immediately after her surgery, we told her that if she worked hard to recover, we’d have her over as soon as she was fit. That time is now seven months later, but to make traveling easier for her and as short as possible, the closest non-stop flight was into Denver from Frankfurt, so here I am on my way.