Berkeley: A Trip

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I went tripping this weekend in Berkeley, CA.

I mean... I took a trip to Berkeley.

Back in my Navy days - the 1970's - I was off the coast of Vietnam in a destroyer while kids my age were stomping and smoking and doping and protesting at the University of California, Berkeley - Cal Berkeley. A "hotbed of liberalism", according to the conservative sages of the day. Yesterday, I found a quiet town, much of which has gone to seed - and not marijuana or poppy seed, either.

I was there not to dis the denizens, nor to drive over any hippy leftovers from the 60's and 70's in Big Ride (although come to think of it...). No, I was there to visit a premier art supply store. I bought canvas, paint brushes, acrylic and oil paints, etc. I have the urge to paint a couple of landscapes. The interesting thing now is the restricted space I have in the 5th wheel trailer. I got an odorless turpentine substitute, and a small jar of gesso (a material used to prepare a base coat on canvas), and other acknowledgements of the fact that I don't have a room to dedicate to this project! I also have orders from my sister and from a cousin, so my creative wheels are starting to churn!

Next, a mural on the side of the trailer? Nah, that would be too... Berkeley!