California Day 4 (Golden Gate, Modesto and lots of driving)

Yesterday morning I got up early (unlikely, I know) to go and see the Golden Gate Bridge before leaving Oakland and San Francisco. It was so worth it! It's pretty windy in this photo, so I actually had to hold my dreads down...

There's a quote, often attributed to Mark Twain, 'the coldest winter I ever spent was a summer in San Francisco.' It was chilly and all, but obviously whoever said this never spent a winter in South Dakota.

Anyway, the views were amazing and totally worth suffering through the crazy road blocks thanks to a crazy costumed event called Beta Breakers.

After a three day stay with my friends at Camp Williams, I took off for Modesto. I met wonderful people, and it wasn't as boiling hot as everyone warned it would be!

I'm pretty sure this photo is of me talking about Pete Seeger...

I arrived at my friends' house last night in Ojai where they left me sweet notes because they knew I'd be arriving late and tired! Today we'll be checking out the town and the farm they live on. More adventures to come!

California Day 1

Yesterday was my first ever day in California. Anyone that I told, from the cab driver to the rental car guy, to my hosts, to the other musicians at Bazaar Cafe immediately welcomed me.

I think all of this sun gets to people out here and makes them really happy. That's my first observation anyway.

PLUS- I had two surprise guests show up and freak me out! My friend Gordon from Connecticut was hanging out on the sidewalk when I arrived, and then my college friend Mike, who I haven't seen in nearly 10 years came. Talk about feeling at home.

Also- it's so strange to see people in different environments. I always think I'm imagining them.

In going to get out a bit more today and I'll report back on what I find!

Kristen

The snow-capped Salt Lake City mountains

My beautiful accommodations in Oakland.

The pretty tree I saw as the first thing this morning!