Retired Superior Court Judge and Wife Celebrate Upcoming Book Release “Tripping – 1975 – Falling in Love One Country at a Time”

(SAN DIEGO, October 9, 2019) – Retired Judge Marshall Hockett and wife/traveling partner, Debbie Hockett of Encinitas are pleased to announce the publication of their book Tripping – 1975 – Falling in Love One Country at a Time.  It is a love story set amidst a year of adventures on their year-long journey in a yellow Volkswagen van they lovingly dubbed the “Banana”. The book will be launched on November 16th at the Winn Room of the Coronado Library.

In 1968, Marshall attended Stanford’s study program in England.  During that year, he traveled the European continent and got a “taste” of what was to be a life-long love affair with travel.  He knew he hadn’t seen the last of Europe.

Returning stateside, he finished his undergraduate study at Stanford University and spent three years of law school at the University of San Diego from which he graduated in 1972.

He started his law career at The Legal Aid Society of San Diego, and met his wife, Debbie in court one day (she was a court clerk).  They have been inseparable for forty-five years.  

They formulated a plan to travel in Europe for one year, and in 1975 made good on that plan.

A few days before they left for Europe, they had dinner with their friends, Jim and Marian Malkus (Marian is unfortunately now deceased).  Marian gave Marshall a completely blank red bound book with two wishes:  1.  Fill it up and be completely honest, and 2.  Marian would be the first to read it.  Marshall agreed and took her up on the offer.  He gave Marian the journal upon their return. Marian loved it and said others would as well.

Marshall began his law career in 1976 after returning from that year in Europe and worked for many years. The red journal sat and sat, until recently when a court clerk and Marshall discussed travel and the clerk suggested that Marshall write a book. Something clicked in Marshall and he said, “I did”. The clerk read and loved the book.  They passed it around the court and the rest is history with Tripping 1975 being published!

Tripping – 1975 – Falling in Love One Country at a Time is full of anecdotal stories and “vintage” 1975 photos from their traveling in the “Banana” as well as in hotels along the way.

Tripping – 1975 – Falling in Love One Country at a Time takes the reader through several countries and cities: Germany (Baumholder, Luxenbourg, Munich, Nuremberg), France (Paris, Avignon, Narbone, Carcassonne, Casteljaloux, Perigueux, Montreuil-Bellay, St. Vaast-la-Hougue, Bayeux,), Amsterdam, Spain (Barcelona, Cambrils, Granada, Malaga, Estepona, Sevilla, Toledo, Madrid, Aranda de Duero, Santander, Pamploma), Great Britain (Dover, London, Lincoln, Hexam, Bath, South Molton, Woodstock), Scotland (Edinburgh, Ballater, Lochness, Lake Windermere, Fort Augustus – Loch Ness), Wales (Rhyl, Chepstow), Switzerland (Delemont, Geneva, Zermatt, Lauterbrunnen, Lucerne), Austria (Innsbruck, Hallein, Salzburg, Vienna), Yugoslavia (Rijeka, Split, Dubrovnik, ), Bulgaria (Sofia, Plovdiv), Turkey (Edirne, Istanbul, Alanya, Antalya, Pamukkale, Ankara, Izmir, near Edremit, Ipsala), Greece (Kavala, Athens, Agios Nikolaos, Thera, Paros, Siros, Nafplio, Sparta, Olympia), Israel (Jerusalem), Egypt (Cairo, Luxor), Crete (Iraklion), Italy (Rome, Florence, Venice).

QUOTE FROM DEBBIE HOCKETT

“All through my life, I’ve come across friends and acquaintances who have expressed a desire to travel the world and wish they could do it.  THEY CAN!  In the beginning, I was doubtful myself, but look what came of it!  We would never trade our year of travel for anything.  It gave us a different viewpoint of the world and the people in it.  We found that almost universally, people of all countries are nice and are anxious to share conversation with you.  This tell-all journal will show you how to travel the world and love it!”

-Deborah (Debbie) Hockett

REVIEWS:

“The book grabs the reader, I believe, because of the personal touches that flow throughout the entire (book).  You share the good and the bad, you address the wise and not so wise decisions and simply lay things out as you found them.  This really appeals to me, and I think most readers would concur.  This wasn’t a fairyland tour where everything worked out perfectly.

When you described Zermatt, Pamukkale and Egypt, I thought I was actually with you on the trip!  These are places that we’ve been to, and you really strike a chord with readers who have been to the places that you describe.  Your trip was truly an “adventure”, An adventure is something that we all long for.  When you described places that we have not been to (the Dordogne Valley in particular), I instinctively reached for the phone to call the travel agent!  Your one sentence description of Lochness was hysterical.”

            -Attorney C.

“They say all good things must come to an end and with a measured degree of reluctance I reached the conclusion of Tripping 1975.  From Atlantis, the Roman Empire, Greek gods, and the Enlightenment, all journeys trace back to roads leading home I suppose (although not in that order), The ending is truth and I’m keeping my fingers crossed for it to play out. Thanks for the trip!”

– A. (Superior Court secretary)

In January 2020, Marshall and Debbie will embark on a whirlwind cruising adventure: Around the world in 180 days aboard the Oceania Insignia!

HASHTAGS: #tripping1975 #vanlife #travel #vanliving #vantravel #vantraveling #vintagevan #travel #traveling #yellowvan #vwvan #vwyellowvan #romantictravels #romanceabroad #romanticgetaways #bananavan #retirement #retirementtraveling #travelingjudge #travelsabroad #europeantravel

Book information: Tripping – 1975 – Falling in Love One Country at a Time

ISBN: 978-1-7331445-0-6  (Trade Paperback)

Marshall and Debbie Hockett are available for in-person television, radio or podcast appearances/interviews and print/online features/interviews.

Follow on Social Media: Facebook: @Tripping1975

https://www.facebook.com/Tripping1975-121776075879193/

For more information contact:

Publicist:

Susan J. Farese, SJF Communications 408-398-5940 sjfcommunications@gmail.com

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Ahoy ! My Solo Trip Adventure to Catalina Island!

My Mom,  (who recently turned  80 years “young”),  always said…”Nothing in life is free”. Well, Mom, you were “almost” completely right!

For my birthday this year I did something really out of the ordinary:  I traveled solo to and from the beautiful Mediterranean picturesque Santa Catalina Island, population just over 3000 (I will be referring to it as Catalina Island ) on my “free” round trip boat ride, courtesy of Catalina Express  http://catalinaexpress.com/birthday_promo.html  and enjoyed a few other free or discounted goodies thrown in!

You’re probably thinking…”Huh?”…”You’re kidding..” or “What a risk” or “How idiotic”, right?

Nope! Best trip ever! I am still smiling inside!

Although I’m originally from  New Jersey, I’ve lived in several cities, states and a few countries. California is especially dear to me because overall,  I’ve lived here a total of 18 years. Despite so many years here, I was yet to experience a trip to Catalina.

So, this past April, on my birthday, my husband would be working, my daughter was in school and I didn’t want to “obligate”  friend(s) to pay for the round trip boat ride. Plus, and this was a big bonus: I absolutely love photography, and I’d be able to snap away where, what and when I wanted! So….

I drove bright and early from San Diego to Long Beach, grabbed some breakfast, checked in with proof of my actual birthday, received and donned that  cool “It’s my birthday” ribbon and boarded the boat! I sat outside and bundled up for the ride!

Aboard the boat to Catalina!
Aboard the boat to Catalina!

Oh…I did take some children’s strength medicine for potential motion “challenges” which turned out to be a real plus! Did I say a real plus???? Yep, some queasiness hit me a tiny bit, but I survived!

I’m happy to share some photos and tidbits from my trip.

We left the harbor and suddenly it was extremely windy !

Leaving the Long Beach Harbor
Leaving the Long Beach Harbor

We passed by the Queen Mary on the way to Catalina, another place I’d like to visit sometime soon!

Passing by The Queen Mary Docked in Long Beach
Passing by The Queen Mary Docked in Long Beach

Also saw the “China Shipping Line” En Route!

Passing by Cargo Ship
Passing by Cargo Ship

Aha! Our first view of Catalina Island in the distance!

First sight of Catalina Island!
First sight of Catalina Island!

How cool is this? A parasailer welcoming us!

Another
Another “first glance” of Catalina Island

A view of the beautiful Catalina Island Casino!

The Famous Catalina Island Casino
The Famous Catalina Island Casino

The beautiful Carnival Cruise was in port! Passengers took smaller boats to get onto the island.

When I arrived Avalon was very busy with many cruise passengers for the day. Then at around 4 p.m., they all left, and Avalon felt like a ghost town!

Look! A Carnival Cruise in Port!
Look! A Carnival Cruise in Port!

Another colorful view of Catalina Island!

Catalina Harbor
Catalina Harbor

Once we happily  “disembarked”I was eager to explore Avalon on Catalina Island. What a delightful way to spend the day! I decided not to rent a golf cart (the golf carts are all over the place, since they only allow so many cars on the island and there is a 14 year wait for a car permit)! and strolled at my own pace. Here’s a look at some of the shops and tourist spots I snapped. Feel free to click on each picture for a larger view!

After wandering a bit, I decided to enjoy a delicious lunch and a Margarita at Maggies Blue Rose. I was having such a great time, that I thought…why not stay overnight??? I knew it was completely out of the ordinary for me…but nonetheless decided to do a quick search of hotels but also asked my server what she recommended. Serendipitously, I decided to stay upstairs from Maggies at the  Hotel Vista Del Mar. They also had some fun birthday freebies, including a bottle of wine or champagne (I chose the bottle of wine and brought it home), and a celebratory balloon ! I bought a few essentials for staying overnight and relaxed for the rest of my solo journey! Feel free to click on each picture for a larger view!

Hotel Vista Del Mar Sign
Hotel Vista Del Mar Sign

Fish Tank at Hotel Vista Del Mar
Fish Tank at Hotel Vista Del Mar

The Hotel Vista Del Mar has a great fish tank in the lobby filled with colorful fish and coral decor ! It was very relaxing to peek at the tank while relaxing on the lobby which overlooks the water.

Once I checked into the hotel, I decided to take the very interesting  Catalina Scenic Tour. The bus driver a.k.a. narrator was terrific spokeperson for the Avalon and island of Catalina.

Here are some of the sights from that trip:

Feel free to click on each picture for a larger view!

After the bus tour, I strolled around Avalon some more. I thoroughly enjoyed a great dinner at Steve’s Steakhouse!

Of course, I then had to sample some ice cream and candy from this place!

Feel free to click on each picture for a larger view!

I noticed the beautiful tiled fountain on Crescent Street, which is made of clay from Catalina Island.

The tiled fountain at Crescent Street, Avalon
The tiled fountain at Crescent Street, Avalon

Afterwards, I decided to walk towards the famous Catalina Casino and these are the sights seen on my way! Feel free to click on each picture for a larger view!

That was it for my day in Catalina. Then it was time to get some rest at the hotel! They had some cool DVD’s that I borrowed. I  didn’t drink the wine, brought the bottle home, but enjoyed looking at that balloon! Had a great night’s sleep too!

Time to get some rest at the hotel!
Time to get some rest at the hotel!

The next morning I decided to venture out a bit more to the casino area, the Museum and then and Descanso Beach Club. Feel free to click on each picture for a larger view!

It was soon time to say goodbye to Catalina Island! Here are some photos from my final minutes of solo joy!

catalina.veterans
Avalon Veterans Memorial Park

catalina.veterans2
Catalina Veterans Memorial Park

catalina.goinpeace
Goodbye Catalina Island!!!

Even though I could have traveled free roundtrip, on the way back to Long Beach, I decided to take advantage of the Commodore Lounge on the Catalina Express for $15 and go back in style!

We were served a drink and a snack, and had very comfy seats!

catalina.boat5
All aboard inside the Catalina Express Commodore Lounge!

We arrived back in Long Beach and I happily drove back to San Diego! This was a quick, fun, safe getaway and I thoroughly enjoyed my time in Avalon on Catalina Island!

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And now to finish with a Haiku:

Overnight in Catalina Island

1.

Traveling alone

Seeing sights, snapping photos

I embraced it all!

2.

A gorgeous island

So perfect for sightseeing

And relaxing too

3.

Yes I will be back

I will bring my family

We shall all have fun!