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You Sold your Motorcycle?  Are you Nuts?

8/12/2015

10 Comments

 
Yes, I probably am nuts but I do my best to stay mentally healthy.  Unfortunately, my physical health hasn't always been great.  In fact, I was diagnosed with glaucoma at age 39 which had already progressed and destroyed a part of my optic nerves in both eyes.  It was weird and rare for someone of my age and ethnicity to have this problem.  But have it I do...I've had 4 laser surgeries, 2 trabeculectomies and I've been using drops for almost 20 years.  Not good- especially when the first doctor told me that this was, "very serious" and that I would probably lose my sight by age 55.  Thank heavens he was wrong- nevertheless it's been a battle and one that I cannot win.  It is a progressive disease and I am slowly going blind- the idea is to make it as slow as possible.  I am incredibly fortunate that I found the Jules Stein Eye Center in LA and the remarkable Dr. Simon Law who saved my sight.  

As we get older- and it's not for the faint of heart- some things we used to do we shouldn't do anymore.  While riding my motorcycle and driving are fine- I can certainly see well enough to do both - I know I have lost some peripheral vision due to the disease.  When riding a 1600cc motorcycle on the Southern California freeways this is not a recipe for a happy ending.  After too many close calls (none my fault actually) I decided the smart move would be to sell the beautiful bike that I loved so much.  I worried that a car (that didn't see me) would make a lane change on top of me and I just wouldn't catch their foolishness in time.  Splat!

There is a silver lining though.  The profit from the bike has enabled me to get a little travel trailer that will make these old bones happier than sleeping in the camper shell.  Further, the elements will be easier to take.  I camp year round and I do hit weather.  Lastly, Lupita will travel in a  bit more comfort.  Here's a pic of our "Casita Suavecita".  I pick up a new 2016 model on December 1 in Rice, TX.  
Picture
10 Comments
Gary link
8/12/2015 05:25:45 am

I'm sorry to hear about your eye problems, Jeff, but you did the right thing, especially riding in SoCal. And your new casita is beautiful! I'm a little bit envious. Okay, a LOT envious. You lucky dog.

Reply
Doc link
8/13/2015 04:02:34 am

Thank you kindly Gary. We all have our stories and problems and I appreciate the thought that I did the right thing- takes the sting out a bit. I have this thought that one day I'm gonna meet all my online friends at a small gathering - I hope you are one and you can check out the little Casita live and in person.

Reply
Chris link
8/12/2015 12:33:21 pm

What a beautiful little home on the road. Good choice, man.

Reply
Doc link
8/13/2015 04:03:25 am

Hey Chris- thanks! Let's go camping sometime!

Reply
Virginia Arthur link
9/6/2015 11:32:13 am

Cute! I now sleep on an air mattress in my tent. That little yoga pad? It's now just used for yoga. I have to carry a little foot pump in the backpack, car...A tad humiliating. Ah, we grow older...

Reply
Doc link
9/7/2015 08:30:11 am

Virginia,

As I get older I find no more humiliation in the minor comforts! In fact I find it downright liberating! haha - thanks for checking out the blog

Reply
Sage link
9/11/2015 10:43:51 am

As we share the same name, I came over from Chris' blog and am impressed with your travels--I lived out west (Great Basin region) for nearly 12 years and spent a couple more summers out there and love it. Your camper is nice, I wonder how it will pull. Keep traveling!

Reply
Doc link
10/24/2015 11:44:51 am

Hey Sage- thanks for the comment and I apologize for my tardiness in replying. I will definitely let you know about the pulling and - yep- Great Basin is a gem

Reply
trames
10/24/2015 10:33:25 am

Hi. Found your blog from RVillage using a search for casita. It will be great hearing of your experiences with it. I will probably be ordering a Patriot Deluxe soon. Exciting!

Reply
Doc Hubbard link
10/24/2015 11:43:06 am

That's great! I'll look for you on the road!

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