Shekinah ( “ she-kinah cute, she-kinah nice”), our oldest granddaughter, and her cousin, Taylor, our oldest grandson, were born six weeks apart as the century turned in year 2000. In the past couple of months they both reached the exciting age of eighteen, and they are both experiencing their senior years of high school. It doesn’t seem possible that they are on the brink of adulthood, but of course they are.
About a year ago Dan and I offered both of them a trip out to Arizona to see their Aunt Ranell, our oldest daughter, as their graduation present from us. We told them to think about it, and if they were interested, to choose the time they would like to go. This past summer Shekinah asked if we could possibly go over MEA this fall. She takes college classes also in Winona, and she would have a little break at that time. Right away Dan said that he couldn’t go that early in the fall, especially this year with the late harvest, but that we should go for it. So we did!
She and I flew out of the Minneapolis airport into Sky Harbor in Phoenix. Ranell picked us up, and off we went to an old church now made into a taco restaurant. it tasted delicious after our four hour flight, and we quickly caught up with visiting and laughter. Then we headed off for Ranell’s home in Yuma, Arizona, almost three hours away. Once leaving the city highways and buildings behind, the terrain changes to sand, cactus, and small desert bushes. The mountains appear soon, and are several shades of grey and brown, some dotted with trees high in the air. A few miles before we reach Yuma, we travel right through the mountain passes close on both sides. Very different from southern Minnesota, but beautiful in its own way with the colors and textures of rock, sand, and desert growth.
We spent two full days in Yuma, seeing where Ranell calls home, and also getting to visit my brother, Jeff, and his family one evening. One of the main things I wanted Shekinah to see was the old Yuma Territorial Prison, now made into a museum. It just happened to be closed the exact two days we were there. It is a fascinating treasure of history that I was disappointed for her not to see. However, we enjoyed time seeing the city, investigating the little shops downtown, finding a couple fun places to have lunch, and enjoying ice cream in the warm Arizona sunshine. Their weather cooled down just before we got there to a pleasant 80 degrees. Shekinah also enjoyed an evening with other teenagers at the church where Ranell works.
During our time away, along with Ranell, we took time for a few days in San Diego, California. Once you leave Yuma, and head over the big bridge and the Colorado River, you are in California. Our destination was about 2 1/2 hours away, and the weather and Pacific Ocean beach in that beautiful city were just perfect for our stay. We enjoyed a small and quiet hotel just a couple blocks from the ocean on Coronado Island. We spent several hours at the beach one morning, enjoying the waves coming in while several were surfing. We walked in the water, searched for sand dollars, enjoyed the warm sand on our toes, and climbed on the rocks near the shoreline. The temperature and warm breeze couldn’t have been more perfect.
One of the most memorable things we did was take a Segway Tour throughout much of San Diego. It began downtown in the city, lasted almost three hours, and took us all around past the convention center, through the famous Balboa Park area, and all around the ocean front and onto the fishing piers. We saw a large chunk of the city while riding those two wheeled self balancing machines. They are an electric transportation device which moves you quite easily and efficiently along.
Before the Segway tour begins, the tour guide gives you about a twenty minute training session teaching you to mount the Segway, balance, turn, and slow down and speed up. A Segway consists of a platform for the feet above a slightly wider wheel base. There is an upright part which includes handle bars used for balance and steering. It was explained to us that the machine is really an extension of ourselves, and that is how it best moves and works smoothly.
It was just the three of us in our little tour group, along with Preston, our guide. He was a young man who was delightful and a lot of fun as we toured the city in single file, moving in snake like fashion from one street to another. Several times we stopped and listened about the history or information of the area we were in at the moment. Both Ranell and I had experienced these rides before, but it was Shekinah’s first time. She loved it as much as we did. And the sights of the city and all the people certainly did not disappoint.
About fifteen minutes before the end of our riding time, as we were approaching a sidewalk curb area, I suddenly hit the side of a streetlight and lost my balance. Both Ranell and Shekinah joked later that it looked as if I was going through air in slow motion. I did not get hurt other than a couple bruises, but the sound inside my helmet as I smacked the sidewalk with my head was deafening. I now know why helmets are required. Mine cracked at the impact, and I brought it home as an unexpected souvenir.
I was able to remount my Segway after a few minutes so could finish the tour. It is a really fun way to see a lot in a couple hours, and the cool breeze on your face as you scoot along is awesome. Next time I will be sure to keep a keen eye on the wheel base so I don’t HIT anything! It was all in the training…I just goofed!
Our time included riding the sea boats into the water and out…shopping at Seaport Village…and trying some good food in the city. Shekinah had fun trying and seeing new things, and that was fun for me to share it with her. It all went much too quickly, and I wish we could have spent a few more days there together. But Shekinah had to get back to begin new college classes and get ready for tests and a speech she had to present. So, another time, but we will cherish the memories and laughter in our hearts.
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