Here In California

Kate Wolf wrote a song in which she pointed out the fact that the hills in California turn brown in the summertime. We found this to be true in our exploration of the Coast Ranges in June.

Family

Family is very important to me. A good way to start out this year’s summer road trip was taking my dad out for a Father’s Day brunch. We followed up with a visit with my paternal grandmother in Berkeley, California.

I hadn’t seen her in ages. I think she was happy to see me and Dad, too.

I love you, Grandmummy.

Praying Hands

Chico, California is kind of an alt-Davis for me and Dad. It has that same college town vibe with really nice creekside hiking opportunities. We took advantage of that yesterday since Dad is back in town for a few days.

We also took care of some business. My passport is up for renewal (I can’t believe it’s been ten years), so we had my picture taken. It’s strange because you’re not supposed to smile, and I always smile for photos. It was hard to change the habit. The guy at the store was very patient with me.

The “praying hands” you see in the picture here are the Chico equivalent of the UC Davis “eggheads.” We visited them too (my old friends).

Welcome Back

I spent yesterday with my dad and my stepmom, Pam. It had been a long time since I’d seen them, so I guess it was something of a Boxing Day Miracle. I also had a wonderful FaceTime call with my brother and sister-in-law.

We spent the day hiking and eating. I think that as far as calories go it was a wash.

Sierra Farewell

This is my last hike with Dad before he heads out for his new home. We went up to the Donner Pass area for the day. The weather was cloudy and pleasantly cool (especially coming from Davis in July) and we had a great vantage point of the Range of Light during our lunch break.

Dad gave me an extra long hug when he dropped me off. I can’t wait to go hiking again when he returns for a visit.

Movin’ On

Back home in Davis. It’s starting to sink in that Dad is getting ready to sell his house (the one I grew up in) and move to the East Coast with Pam. I have to admit that we both feel anxious about this (which is normal when you make big changes in life). That being said, I still have the rest of my family and a good team of caregivers out here, so I think it will be alright.

I’m lucky to have a loving family, and Dad says he will be back to visit me in California as often as he can. I believe him.

The Coast

The Oregon Coast is really beautiful. It’s great for a leisurely drive on a summer afternoon. This part of the world always makes me feel like I’m not in a hurry.