"…given
a bit of slack, I’ll wander all over the place when telling
a story..."
That's
from the introduction to Strange
and Unexpected: Backpack on the Road --
and in this volume, Bob and Terry share the journey with Jay and
Justin in 2005... Ellen, Richard, Mike and Louise in 2007.
In
southern California the boys went with Terry and Bob to Los Angeles
and San Diego, along with places all around and in between. They
visit Disneyland and Universal Studios, and spend a tremendous
day at the Johsua Tree National Park.
Northern
California was set up mainly for Napa and Sonoma -- legendary
California wine country -- and the gang of six made every day
count for vineyards and much, much more. A limo day of wine tastings...
a drive to Muir Woods... picnics with breathtaking views... the
grand tour of Yosemite... and that just provides the basics of
a tremendous journey.
So
what did they find on their trips? Well...
"California
is… perhaps quite easily so, and without question at least debatably
so… the most diverse state in America.
The
simple beauty of places like San Diego… the richness (in so
many interpretations of the word) of Napa, Sonoma, and the northern
California wine country… Yosemite and Joshua Tree and other
national parks… the Pacific Coast Highway… Hollywood… Disneyland…
and the list simply does not end.
By
any measure… any standard… California is a study of contrasts
and similarities, separation and unity, aggravation and comfort.
It
is gorgeous… it is rugged… it is laid back… and, in places,
it is none of this (and so much more).
There
are places within its borders that you feel almost embraced
by the strongest of hugs on your very first visit.
And
there are places where you may never feel like anything but
an outsider.
It
is a wonderful and amazing and simply brilliant state."
The
group is thrilled to have you join as they explore California—top
to bottom... side to side—on
two trips of opposites, in every possible sense of the word.