10 months ago, my husband, Randy, went through the struggle of his life: a double lung transplant. It happened FAST. Life is precious. Want to know more? Transplant: An Unexpected Journey.
Randy and I just returned from an unbelievably wonderful and enjoyable trip…we flew into Orange County (John Wayne Airport) and drove up the Pacific Coast Highway, stopping in Santa Barbara, Carmel, Big Sur, Monterey, Moss Landing, San Francisco, and all the way to Shelter Cove, CA! Then we headed to Lake Tahoe to round out the 3 week trip. We saw old friends and beautiful new scenery along the way, and Randy, 10 months post double lung transplant, really advanced his recovery!
When the trip first started out, I believe he was a bit tentative, and he had every right to be. 10 months ago, when Randy woke up from his double lung transplant, he could barely lift his index finger, he could not speak, and certainly he could not walk. He has traveled a long road since then, and this trip helped him, not only with physical challenge, but with his confidence.
Randy ordered walking sticks before we left, to be delivered in Shelter Cove. They were never delivered, so Randy fashioned walking sticks out of redwood tree branches he found on the ground. We walked beaches, casinos, vista points, streets, hills, steeper hills, and a lot of stairs! Every day seemed to add to his abilities, and now that we are home, he finds that he is much stronger, and better able to navigate. It is amazing what a little physical challenge can do! And there were plenty of them! Here’s a recap of activities:
Santa Barbara has to be one of the most perfect spots on earth (in our humble opinion!)
San Luis Opisbo and the Madonna Inn!
Big Sur, big sounds and a big ocean! Big Elephant seals were a highlight along the way.
Carmel never fails to charm! The downtown area is just perfectly quaint and full of art!
Beautiful Monterey and its incomparable aquarium!
Monterey Bay is full of Humpbacks, seals and dolphins!
Chinatown, always a San Francisco Treat!
Shelter Cove is as remote as it gets, and the Avenue of the Giants is nearby!
Lake Tahoe was full of fun: rafting, beaching, renting a boat, going on a helicopter tour, and enjoying fireworks on the water on the 3rd, and over the water on the 4th!
And I must leave you with the most beautiful image of all: Emerald Bay, Lake Tahoe!
So glad the trip was such a success! You guys are brave in many ways!
The trip was an unqualified success! And Randy did so beautifully! He is so much stronger.
Tam Warner recently posted…Randy: 10 months post transplant!
Amazing Tammy!
I’m so happy that all your plans for a fabulous trip went well and that Randy found his smile. Scary most likely doesn’t even come close to explaining how you both felt when first stepping out of your home and going off into the wild blue yonder. Happy that life was kind and that Randy enjoyed his adventure. Welcome home my friends!
Juetta
Thank you, sweetpea! It was a wonderful trip! Now, I’m off to celebrate bridal activities for my cousin’s daughter in the Blue Grass state. Then…Cozumel! Then Ecuador! Then Chicago and back to KY! Hope to catch up with YOU and Doug some day!
How Great made me cry. You and Ranbdy look terrific! Pleas let Rand know how proud I am of his willpower. Prayers do get answered. What a perfect trip. Please Tam keep these coming. See you at the reunion Love Big Murph.
I look forward to the Big 40 reunion! Man, you guys are old!11111
Don’t you love California? Of course, I am partial to northern CA…you were in some of my favorite places! Happy you’re both doing great!
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I loved California the minute I set foot on it, many, many years ago. I first visited San Francisco…and it is still my favorite American city!!!
I loved the photos of you and your husband hanging out at all my favorite places. I feel lucky to live in such a beautiful place and so glad you got to experience the best of it.
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are you in northern California? You are totally lucky to live there!
Your photos are breathtaking. Those areas are one of my favorites – but I’ve never been to Lake Tahoe. Driving up the Big Sur is magnificent. I want to go again now that I read your post! Fabulous – and wonderful about Randy’s progress!
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Thanks Cathy. You must get to Lake Tahoe! It is one of the most beautiful places on earth…I promise! The alpine lake is as blue as the ocean…but a lot colder!
Tam Warner recently posted…Randy: 10 months post transplant!
Congratulations to Randy, wow what a recovery.
Your photo’s are just spectacular. I have only flown into LA and visited San Diego.
I would love to explore California more.
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My photos are nothing to do with me…California is spectacular! It is worth a lengthy trip, Doreen!
What a wonderful and uplifting story! I am so glad that you both are getting your feet back under you and gaining momentum! There is so much to be said for the healing power of travel, nature, and friends. Looks like you got them all! Can’t wait to hear about the next stops on your journey!
Thanks! I feel uplifted myself, after seeing how well Randy did! And yes, travel, nature and friends are the best medicine!
Oh my, your photos are amazing! So glad your trip went smoothly and Randy did well.
The trip was amazing…and solidified my belief that Randy is going to do fabulously well, and beat the odds!
Trip looks amazing and I’m so glad Randy is doing well. We live in San Diego and you hit a lot of our favorite spots. We spent a few summers in Lake Tahoe, which is absolutely beautiful. Next time you’re in the neighborhood (well, kind of), come say hi!
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I love San Diego….my favorite restaurant is in Del Mar…Jake’s. We’ve been there often…we used to hang for a week or so when my son was in school in Redlands, CA. Ever jumped off a cliff in La Jolla to go paragliding?? It’s a rush! Don’t worry, I’ll be back!
Tam Warner recently posted…Randy: 10 months post transplant!
Beautiful Pictures. Sounds fabulous. Wishing you both continued strength!
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Thank you!
Tam Warner recently posted…Randy: 10 months post transplant!
These are gorgeous photos!
Thanks, Janie!
Tam Warner recently posted…Randy: 10 months post transplant!
Gorgeous! In encouraged to return to California. The Redwood trees are a must for me. Going to share this with a friend of mine who just had a heart transplant. Best to you and Randy!