Ok, so after we left the Sweat Lodge Cafe, Lady Red is driving and it is a bit windy outside. All of a sudden the car starts vibrating. Now this is not the usual feeling of the wind pushing the car, no the car feels like it is shaking back and forth. We pull over and look at the tires, thinking maybe we are getting a flat. Tires are ok and we decided to continue on and see what happens. I have roadside assistance so even though we are about to enter a desolate area, I am confident, if we need help we can get help.

Drug Sniffing Dog

We start again and the car seems fine. We chalk it up to road conditions and continue on. Next up, our first delay. We pull up to a Border Patrol Station

Border Patrol Agent

where the car is checked out by a drug sniffing dog. We pass of course but it is intimidating to have a mean German Shepard and several tough-looking Border Patrol agents staring at you.

Just as we are beginning to climb the hills before San Diego we come to a dead stop. We look ahead and we see nothing but back-upped traffic. We sit in the car for awhile, but after so much time we get out of the car and walk around the highway. We have no idea what is causing the delay.

About a half of an hour later, we are standing on the highway talking to a gentleman, former Army, about Vet benefits and the impending homecoming that we are trying get to. The nice gentleman and his wife are also from my town. Small world, I guess.

Finally, we get moving again and as we drive past the place where everyone is stopped, we can not see any reason for the delay. Fine, ok we are back on the road again. But, guess what? Another Border Patrol Station with yet another drug sniffing dog! I just want to know where they think we could pick up drugs between station one and station two? Of course, that is not my world, so who knows.

Back on the road again, and we just starting making good time again and wouldn’t you know it, another Border Patrol Station! At this point I am thinking, what another drug sniffing dog?, but oh no, we pull up and a Border Patrol agent asks Lady Red, “Ma’am, What is your citizenship?” She answers, “Uh, American.” Next, he looks at me and says, “Ma’am?” I responded, “American.” Ok, if we were illegals, would we state that? Plus, Lady Red has long, red hair and we both are about as white-skinned as can be. You just have to wonder.

We continue on and finally hit So California and run into just about every crazy California driver on the road. We finally see a sign that says only 12 miles to our destination. Yippee! We are almost there, or so we think. Right after seeing the sign, traffic slows to a snail’s pace. Why? We have no idea. At this point I am ready to get out of the car and walk! Finally, after hardly moving for an indeterminate amount of time, we start moving again. The reason for the delay, another @%^&#*^ Border Patrol Station? Get this, they were not even stopping people!!!

Finally, we arrive at our hotel. The next few hours involved food and drink, if you know what I mean! Part 3, homecoming day is coming up next. Stay tuned for this because this is another story all together.

Please, check out my pics from our down time before and after homecoming from San Clemente. I am a budding photographer. Trying to learn all I can.