1,400 miles

I made it.  There and back again.

Just under 1,400 miles in six days.

Crazy.

and lovely.

I was telling Amos that I think I really needed the break.  I really, really enjoyed driving through beautiful parts of California and not having to bother about talking to anyone.  Sometimes I just need to be alone.

Me and Katharyn at her little house :)

First stop: Morgan Hill!
I stayed the night with my old college roommate and her husband.  I talked Katharyn's ear off, and Paul helped me hose off the inside of my car hood. (I was lame and left the oil cap off my engine; thankfully the car didn't die!)  I went to Paul and Katharyn's church in the morning and said hi to the rest of Paul's family before getting back in the car and heading even further north.

Irene and I in the redwood forests of Arcata (aka, Hippieville, extreme edition)

Second stop: Arcata!
I next stopped in Arcata and hung out with my friend Irene for a few days.  She was so excited that I came.  I'd never been to Arcata before, so it was quite the experience.  One man I saw was wearing a brown turban...that turned out to be his dreadlocks. ;)
We went to several places in the few days I was there and had a grand old time. :)

A banana slug! Just hangin' out... ;)

Almost home!  A shortcut between Yuba City and Grass Valley

Third stop: Grass Valley!

I next went home for a few days with my family.  I hung out with some old friends and then had Audra and my little nephew Ethan come over.  Audra patiently strung thousands of beads for my veil, which is currently giving me a hard time.  (Now I know why they are $30.00+)  Mom and Audra helped me figure stuff out for my wedding reception and watched as I cleaned out my closets.

This was taken before, but I was so happy to get back and see my Amos. :D

Fourth stop: Newhall!
I finally made it back to Newhall to see Amos, my fiance.  :D  I got a lot of hugs, then we went out to Denny's.  Amos listened to my stories about my trip and was very encouraging as I talked about some hard situations I had to deal with concerning a friend.

Only seventy-five more days!!!!