Dreaming... A World Without Too Many Cars

Ciao a tutti amici,

When I arrived at the beach, I broke down and cried like a baby.

My friends laughed at me and teased me, but they also hugged me and gave me their love too. The reason for my tears... there are no cars allowed within a long distance of the beach here. No cars, no high rises, only bikes and walking paths. We were on the only beach, a 1 mile stretch, that allows dogs too. And they only allow dogs for 3 months of the year. This is to protect all the wildlife during the breeding season. My friends told me that my reaction to the carless beach gave them a new appreciation for it. They had been taking it for granted.
Below: Parking lot at the beach, bikes only!

I am very sore today but very happy.

Yesterday we went on a very long bike tour. We went to a bird sanctuary first. The sanctuary was closed but when my friends told them I was an environmentalist who works for the endangered species in California. They made an exception for me and gave me a tour of the facilities.

After the tour of the bird sanctuary we went to the beach on the Northsea. After the shock of no cars wore off I went into the water. I was very suprised at how warm the water was here. I expected it to be very cold because we were so far north. But it was much warmer than on the Northern California coast.

In a way... I have regained some hope for humanity here. The people here ride bikes and they are fit and happy. Maybe more people in America can start riding bikes too. If we could achieve that transition... maybe there is hope for the world.

The Dutch People hold the key to survival of the planet... in their pockets with their little bike keys. I just received a request in my e-mail from the bike path advocates in Eureka. They want photos and information about bike paths to help them in their quest to build bike paths around the Humboldt Bay.
What luck... I have some to send to them. Please check out the Trail Trust of Humboldt Bay and contact Jennifer Rice for more information or to help out with this project. jen@nrsrcaa.org.

I leave Europe tomorrow morning to come home to America. I will be in San Francisco by 5pm. Not only carrying the best olive oil and many new skills, but a renewed hope... of a healthy world without too many big cars.

I will miss my new friend Batu (also called: Batuti, Bahhh Tuuu, Tuti Wooti). He was watching me pack my bags today and he was so sad... whining and crying. I had to give him some extra love. We have become very good friends while I have been here. He is part Fell Terrier like Yota and they have some of the same charachter and physical traits.
My love goes out to all of you who have befriended me, rescued me, helped me, housed me, fed me, and taught me many important lessons about language, life, love, culture and about myself too, while I have been here in Europe. I will miss you so much and I will never forget you!

I will be in touch!