August 4-6

Tulare. Too-lair-ee. That was our first destination. Wouldn't have even known where it was if I didn't have family there. Visiting my mom's family is a homecoming of sorts. As we drive into the town my mom points out familiar places from her childhood. My aunts and uncles have lived in and near Tulare for most of their lives. As much as they complain about the smog and overcrowding and make it sound like Tulare is a little L.A., they couldn't think of leaving it. Ever.

Everyone gathers at my aunt's house. She is the official hostess and does well at it. She's the shyest of my aunts and also an excellent cook. This combination makes her cooking the center of attention, instead of her. Ever since I was little I couldn't wait to get to her house; there was always fresh cake and candy and wonderful smells coming out of her kitchen. And we were encouraged to try her sweets, even before dinner.

My aunt has a long table that stretches the length of her dining room.  During holidays and special occasions (like my visit), all the chairs are filled with aunts and uncles and cousins. The food crowds onto the table [pause to watch an old western, as the calvary covers the hillside and buglers sound triumphant notes] and there's about four conversations at once. Bowls are passed multiple times, never emptied enough to satisfy my aunt. "Help yourselves. There's plenty on the stove. Don't be bashful." Food never tastes so good as when it's eaten with sweet tea. Seconds and thirds and when you think you can't hold more, there's coconut cake and some sort of Jello-y confection. "Tea? More tea? Would you like some cake?" After a year of mostly fast food, this was wonderful.

August 3

After visiting Grant's Pass, I convinced my mom that we should touch the Pacific Ocean before we got any farther east. We studied the map and agreed that it would be best to take a highway out of Grant's Pass that led to 101. I have a short memory: 101 is one of the slowest routes in the world. When you have thousands of miles yet to cover, it's excrutiating to spend three hours going 100 miles. We stopped at Crescent City and I walked along the beach and picked up the requisite stones as souvenirs. I even dated them with a silver Sharpie, so I wouldn't forget where they were from. We decided to continue farther along 101. The slower pace seemed somewhat adventuresome. Hours passed and we still had 47 miles to Eureka, where we were planning to spend the night. We made it to Eureka, after seeing the sun set on the water, about 9 that night. We went from one motel to the next, and they all had either no rooms available or were really overpriced. We figured we would go back a little ways on the freeway to the Motel 6 we had spotted. It was full. We had forgotten that a Friday night on the beach would be popular with thousands of people.

After dinner at McDonalds (I have a deep love for their apple pies, even though I dislike most of their food), we decided to drive out a ways. Now we were out in the middle of nowhere, we had been driving for fourteen hours, and there were no motels in sight. Our plan to find a cheaper motel was being undermined by our fatigue. So, in a moment of weariness, I convinced my mom that our only option was to spend the night in the car. We found a safish-looking spot near a rural fire dept, and proceeded to bunk down, as much as possible in our crowded little car. About 3, my mom woke up and decided she was good to drive. And so she drove; mile

after

                            mile

                                                after

                                                                  mile.

The road twisted and turned; and so did I. I was asleep, mostly, hoping that I could get rested enough to switch with my mom in a bit. I had driven almost all of yesterday and was very road-weary. The twisting road and cramped quarters made for some very interesting dreams.

August 2, 2007

Shannon’s dad is amazing! When I move again, I think I will fly him out J. He managed to fit everything, including two of the boxes that Shannon was going to hold for me, into the trunk and back seat. I hate packing with a passion, and I’m not sure I would have ever begun this venture if so many people hadn’t helped me out. My mom weeded; my sister cleaned; Shannon ran errands including standing in line at the Licensing place three times; Sally allowed me to stay a few more days; Laura gave a good home to many of my treasured possessions; Brenda brought me snacks. I am so blessed!

Our trip was a bit rough at the beginning. I intended to leave Friday, but it was better for Sally if we left today. I still needed to change my address; both post offices had no forms available. Oh, yeah. I should get gas, and clean the windshield, and adjust my mirrors (I’ve never had to use my side mirrors so much). Finally, after dinner with Shannon (Happy Birthday!) and all these little things, we were on I-5. My mom and I chatted. We grew silent in the warmth of the setting sun. Hills grew golden and the clouds, a rosy lavender. We sang a bit and then conversation turned to a room for the night. Must haves: low price, clean rooms, and free wifi. I have to say, this is the nicest cheap motel I’ve been to in years. I love you, Kelso!

I have been entrusted a mission. Shannon’s parting gift was beautiful origami paper. I must make cranes for people along the way. Tonight the recipient was the desk clerk. Tomorrow, possibly, an old friend of mine and Shannon’s grandmother.