Experienced full-timers told us we would continue to downsize our belongings once we were on the road. They were right.

It seemed like we only packed what was essential, but over time, we found that there are things we don’t use. Mostly it’s clothing. Donna did a good job, but I packed more clothes in our motorhome than I need.

This week, I donated a large bag of clothes and the area rug we had in the front room to Goodwill. There are a few more items that will be sold or donated before we leave San Diego.

Yesterday, I rode a different route on my bicycle. I followed Pacific Beach Drive to the beach. Then I followed the bike route north to La Jolla Cove. When I was growing up here in San Diego, I would go to the cove frequently. It was fun exploring the tide pools in the rocks there. We would find sea anemones and starfish along with small crabs and other aquatic life.

We would swim around the cave in the area we called “the clam.” Back then, seals were occasional visitors. We would see them swimming offshore. I don’t remember seeing them on the beach or rocks very often.

Today, that’s changed. Over the last 10 years or so, the seal behavior in the cove is different. On the south side of the cove, there’s a small, sandy beach protected by a sea wall. This used to be popular spot for swimming and sun bathing. Today, this beach is overrun with seals.

La Jolla Cove sea wall

Seals have taken over this beach

The rocks on the north end, where I used to explore the tide pools are now full of seals, cormorants and pelicans. I don’t know what caused this. I didn’t see anyone exploring tide pools. The seals have taken over.

Seals, cormorants and pelicans on the rocks

Seals on the rocks above the tide pools

The ride up to La Jolla Cove and back was about 23 miles. After I returned, I discovered a small leak in our sewer hose connection. I needed to address this right away. I resealed the fitting. Today I’ll need to buy some silicone grease for the o-rings to ensure water tight fittings.

People have told me I’ll get bored with retirement, I don’t think so. There’s always something to  do on the RV.

I ran a few more errands before returning the car to my daughter, Shauna. Today, Donna and I will take a bicycle ride together. Later, while she continues to work on her book, I’ll take the scooter to Home Depot. I need to find silicone grease and I want to make a new Watts water pressure regulator. The one I bought started leaking. Instead of buying another one made for RVs, I’ll build one with parts made for household duty. I think it will be more durable.

View of the beach at La Jolla Shores from La Jolla Cove