California Dreamin’
Yep, I'm still contributing to the world's fifth largest economy here in California. I am currently roaming San Francisco with my friend and teammate from WMF Freetown, Chia. We'll hit up some of the popular sites today and pay a lot more than one should for parking. Unfortunately, I won't be able to see the Rock or Vickie, the famous Alcatraz tour guide.
Since my last post I've provided tech support by phone to "customers" in Africa while driving through the Mojave desert, had the best slice of strawberry pie that I might ever have in my life (Rock Creek Lakes Resort – Tom's Place, CA), made peanut butter sandwiches while watching a bear steal potato chips at twenty yards, hiked the 18 miles up to Half Dome for a killer view of Yosemite, and eaten a wonderful bowl of chowder on Pier 39. It's been a busy, slow week.
One aspect of my road trip that I've really enjoyed is meeting people with a wide range of personalities. Johannes wanted me to join his commune and to start calling Jesus by his "correct" name Yeshua. My REI Albuquerque sales rep was a just passing time selling gear and giving good advice for the Flagstaff/Sedona area until she could start an acupuncture practice. Eric, his girlfriend, and two cousins participated in a campfire therapy session after many Budweiser Select biceps curls (not pretty). The Aussie father and his son watched the bear steal chips with me the night before they were to go the the Burning Man festival. Chris was just looking for a beer so he could ease his nerves before going to sleep. All these people have added to the richness and depth of my trip. All these stories intersected with mine for a short period.
I'm excited for what the days ahead have in store for me. Tonight I'll head north of San Fran on the Pacific Coast Highway and camp along the coast. Oregon is in the near future and many good friends will enter the story. I'm really looking forward to see the state that caused so many Taylor freshman to complain about Indiana 
. Stay tuned …