I’m blessed with great neighbors. Lots of people say that, but in my case it really is true. My neighbors all look out for each other, but one couple (J & G) goes beyond being helpful by providing a spot in their large carport where I park my 1999 Tacoma (see photo) out of the rain during the fall and winter. No matter how many times I’ve offered, they don’t charge me any rent and act like it’s not a big deal.
My house includes some great features, but a full-size garage isn’t one of them. The garage has plenty of room for one car but not enough for two. Call it a 1.5-car garage. There’s no extra space on my lot to add a carport as the drainfield uses up the only open level area. When I bought my Subaru new in 2016, the Tacoma lost its covered parking spot.
At the time, I asked the former owner of J & G’s place if I could park in her three-car carport. There was extra space because the property also has a two-car garage. We were (and still are) good friends, and she was nice enough to assign me a spot. In return I told her she could use the truck for dump runs. She rarely took me up on my offer.
She sold the place in 2022, and fortunately for me, the new owners extended the same great favor — free parking for my truck. In trying to be a good neighbor, I take care of the mowing and trimming at their beach. It doesn’t have driveway access, and there is no good way to get a lawnmower down the steep path to Mud Bay. J & G rent out the house as an Airbnb retreat whenever they can; the rest of the time it’s empty. Perhaps letting me park the truck in the carport provides a bit of security as it looks like someone is home. I don’t view this as quid quo pro though. I’m just thankful for their largesse.
Recently J & G had the home’s exterior painted, and I’ve heard strong rumors the property will be listed for sale soon. It could sell right away as the interior was redone to make it into a desirable Airbnb rental. When it sells, I hope the new owners won’t think it’s strange when I ask them if there is any extra space in the carport.
