Home Again!

34 days
8,036 miles
14 states
8 different campsites
7 nights in hotels
8 gracious hosts
0 traffic tickets
0 parking tickets
0 flat tires
0 road kills
Thousands of laughs
Millions of memories

Day 33, August 9--...To Shining Sea

Today marked the last full day on our cross-country bonanza. We woke up in Santa Cruz to beautiful sunshine (and the "aggressive sweeper" at the Inn at Pasatiempo, who woke me up with some loud broom action), and then we set out to the Hilton for Chris and Renee's goodbye breakfast. It totally hit the spot, and despite the fact that they were outstanding, I decided to abstain from eating a leftover cupcake from the wedding. We said our goodbyes to the newlyweds and Marisa and Skye (who were heading down to LA), and got back on the road.

On our way to Annie's house again, we stopped by the Pacific, our final stop on our spectacular trip. Yeah...it was really cold, but we had to stick our toes in to make the road trip complete.

Annie played tour guide to Andrea as we drove around the city a bit before going to the Mission for La Taqueria for dinner. Yum-mmy! Vanessa, Jack, Abena, Omar, Yasmin, Yasmin's friend Megan, Andrea, and Annie were also in attendance. Before Andrea, Omar, and Abena had to take off for the airport, we went to Bruno's for a drink. Then those remaining stuck around for a bit and then finally got the ice cream we were waiting for since Wednesday night at Bi-Rite.

Perhaps the most entertaining part of the evening however, was when we took Vanessa home. Jon-Mychal was driving, and there was a prevailing scent of vomit in the car. We instantaneously attributed it to the homeless man across the street. And yet, the odor remained even though we pulled away. At first, it was only something the Bowmans smelled, but soon enough, our passengers smelled it too. Well, to make a long story short, we all were in stitches with our heads out the window, until finally, Vanessa directed Jon=Mychal to pull over. Low and behold, JMB had stepped in shit. Thank god Camilla goes back to Hertz tomorrow! The flip flops were abandoned curbside, and we were on our way.

We fly back home tomorrow, weary, fatter, and filled with the wonder of our friends and our country. Everyone should do this...it has been outstanding.

Day 32, August 8--Love under the redwoods

Well, today finally arrived...the day that marked one of the major purposes of our cross country extravaganza: Chris and Renee's marriage! After playing golf this morning with Victor and Arminda (at a real golf course, no less! It was a little scary, but we fared okay), we got ready to head up to Roaring Camp for the wedding festivities.

What can I say? It was gorgeous. Such a beautiful setting, amongst these huge, old, majestic trees. Renee looked stunning, and Chris, outstanding. We danced the night away (post BBQ and cupcakes, of course), and had an awesome time. Congratulations, guys!

PS- Yes, the blog posts have been getting shorter...but can you blame us? It has been 32 days of religious blogging! Jeez!

Day 31, August 7--Cruising in Cruz

After scooping up Andrea at the airport, we shot down to Santa Cruz for a day of fun before Chris and Renee tie the knot (stopped at In-n-Out Burger along the way, of course). We connected with Vanessa by the pool a bit, and then the three of us (Andrea, Jon-Mychal, and I) headed into downtown Santa Cruz for some warmer wedding wear.

We had amassed quite a large posse before we sat down to dinner at Hula's Tiki Room, which was not fantastic, but perfect for what we needed. Then it was back to the bar at the hotel (Peachwoods), and then the parking lot for some fun with friends! Too bad the inn has a stated "no partying" policy...the night watchman was a little wary of us!

Day 30, August 6-- Spending the day by the Bay

We had a very relaxing first whole day in San Fransassy. Since we were just here in February, rather than seeing any sights, we decided that seeing local color was on the docket. So after doing laundry at Annie's we roamed around the Marina area, and then the Mission. It was fabulous. But cold! Isn't it August?? What is up with the weather here?

After feeding about $8 into the parking meter, we met up with Jay for a couple drinks in an uber hip bar called Zeitgeist...none of us was wearing enough black. But they didn't kick us out, so we stayed there until we went to a Senegalese restaurant to meet up with the Columbia connection (Annie, Christophe, Jay, Sasha, and Pete) and a true Colombian (Christophe's friend Alvaro). Afterwards, we went on a failed mission for ice cream, and settled for a beer instead. Not quite equal in my opinion, but no one else seemed to mind!

We pick up Andrea tomorrow at the airport before heading down to Chris and Renee's wedding! Yahoo!

Day 29, August 5 -- San Francisco Treats

With only five days remaining on our cross-country voyage, it would make sense to be a little tired at this point (tired of driving, tired of being away from home, or just tired all together). Thankfully, we have not reached our limits yet, and after a nutritious breakfast of pie, we were off on our way to the bay.
During the morning drive up Highway 1, we saw elephant seals, picturesque views of the Pacific, and leftover ash from the Big Sur fires. Lunch was a special treat, because Adrienne and I finally had our In-N-Out Burger that we have been drooling about since Arizona. I recommend going "Animal Style".
Now, we sit in San Francisco, in the comfy surroundings of our friend Annie's apartment. We had dinner at a spicy Thai restaurant called, Osha. Now it is time to turn-in to prepare for another day of adventuring.

Day 28, August 4--One Year

Today marked not only day 28 on our adventure, but our one year anniversary! We woke up at Monica and Rigo's, and headed north along the beautiful California coast. Making good use of a wedding present we saved(thank you Andrea and Chris!), we had a fabulous and fancy lunch at the Four Seasons in Santa Barbara. It was perfect! While we dined, dolphins were jumping in the ocean (no joke!) and the birds were singing in the palm trees. Ah, luxury!

We continued along PCH, until we found a lovely spot (ok, it was a Motel 6...but we could see the ocean, so who cares) in San Simeon to shack up for the night. After a stroll along the beach, we went to Cambria for a delicious dinner at Linn's Restaurant. The pot pie was outstanding, and Jon-Mychal's steak has made him a devotee of grass-fed beef forever! We wanted to finish the meal with Olallieberry Pie (their specialty), but we were stuffed, so we took it to go. And even then, we didn't eat it...we fell asleep! Oh well...it's great for breakfast!