Northern California...

This state is HUGEE - It never ends!

We spent last night in Carmel Valley, CA in anticipation of taking the Pacific highway to our next stop in Eureka, CA.

The lodge in Carmel Valley was clean albeit circa 1960 and of course Andrew had to add that it had a similar atmosphere to the Bates motel! Super...but we encountered teenage natives while pumping gas who directed us to a nice place for a late dinner.  After reading the local paper, I was made even more uneasy given a recent suicide attempt and assault.  inow I can see how Arnold was elected govenor of CA!  Yet we made it out alive and the 40 degree evening temps were quite a shock - in a good way. Breakfast was delicious at a local coffee shop called The Wild Goose. I had a yummy quiche with veggie juice freshly made with local kale, carrots, spinach, and beets topped off with some ginger.  It was quite good - hoping it keeps my immune system in check the next few days.

We have come along way and it's starting to catch up to us. Hence the infrequent postings but that's also due to lack of internet access.

California has everything from oil rigs to vineyards and pear tree farms, fields of various berries and almonds to olive oil and oranges!  It is quite amazing the monopoly it has on food production given the vast climates. It was interesting to see acres of land owned by Valero with oil pipelines adjacent to fields with almonds owned by the Pacific Almond company. p>

It has been quite the day - a true test of our patience...well I must admit moreso Andrew's as he's been the pilot on this journey. I have deep admiration for truck drivers...the true road tripper!

We veered off the GPS path to find our selves dipping and turning on Route 1 within the Muir woods and Marin county.

Driving near the ocean was indescrible - in more ways than one! I am sure Andrew's knuckles are white from gripping the steering will so tightly.

Well we've spanned most of CA in 2 days on to see one of Andrew's friends in a small coastal town called Eureake for the night. Then the final push into Oregon tomorrow with the arrival to our new home on Saturday.