After selling our Ashland, Oregon home two months ago, Sue and I vowed to remain focused on the moment and make the most of our freedom.

We came to Fort Bragg, California, planning to stay a few days. The weather, charming town, spectacular trails, combined with fun times with old and new friends, have stretched our stay to three weeks.

Four state parks, practically within shouting distance of our camp at Pomo Campground, offer trails that took us to coastline scenes that exploded in beauty and to redwood giants that displayed their rugged beauty.

And my friend Bob, whom I met 10 years ago through an Ashland area bicycling club, invited me to join his biking group here. (Fort Bragg is his primary home.) Friendly members of the Seniors on Bikes (SOBs) welcomed me on several rides on the bike path along the coast to MacKerricher State Park.

We felt part of the community during our stay, taking part on the Thanksgiving Day Turkey Trot, a fund-raiser for the local food bank and high school track and field team.

Now we say so long to Fort Bragg. Thanks for the memorable times. And for so many great moments.