Subes for life!

You know that zany Maslow fellow and that way-too-long list of “needs” people, um, need…. Well, I’ve got one, too, and it looks more or less like this (in no particular order):

• Variety of food options
• Fresh water
• Bathroom / shower
• Internets
• Privacy

They are all important, but that last one really seals the deal. If I have a place to work quietly, without a ton of people walking by and gawking by, I can actually get some decent writing done.

So, those make up the base of my pyramid. Add in a decent dose of sunshine so I can charge my electronics. Add in a proximity threshold, so whichever of those I’m seeking is not too far away (by bike or by car). Add in a maximum temperature of around 75F or thereabouts.

But, here’s the catch: I’ve been on the road for more than six months, and I have yet to find a place which nails the entire list. What about your private spot at UCSC, one might ask? Yep, really good, until fall quarter started and 30K students swarmed. What about Yosemite? Yep, good, except majorly fail internets service, way too crowded, and hot in summer; otherwise pretty good right up until food options dwindled as the busy season wrapped up. [Oh, and there’s also that whole ranger-chasing-Deeds-out problem.*] What about Bishop? Yep, super good grocery and food options, an indie bookstore**, a nice park to work and walk and nap in, but not really great overnight options without a drive.

And so, I keep coming back to my spot near Lee Vining. The food options are not great, but everything else is 110% excellent. [The restaurant is closed for the season, which seems to be a theme for the eastern Sierras (“Gone skiing!” “See you in the spring!” etc.), but there is a market nearby.] And, the views are unbelievable. In fact, last night I was up watching the stars at midnight; this morning I was up watching the sunrise and the fog rolling through; the other day I was watching snow fly off the arête way behind me in the photo.

And so, I’m sticking with it for now.

Oh, and also the pass is closed so I’m kinda-sorta stuck here for a while….

*It was actually Wildlife Management, and they were very polite and courteous about it.

**Not a truly superb indie bookstore in comparison to some others we’ve visited, but that it exists at all is a win.