Palm Springs, San Luis Obispo, Palm Springs

The two days in Palms Springs soaking up the sun in Merritt’s pool was a perfect first landing in the US. Thursday morning I drove around Los Angeles and up the 101 to San Luis Obispo and stayed with Melanie, Tony and their two kids Lucy and Milo. The last time I had seen any of them was 3 years ago just after Milo was born. It was great to catch up. They have built a beautiful house a short bike ride into the heart of San Luis Obispo.

Friday I drove up the 101 to San Francisco and met James at his office. That night James and I went to dinner with Frank Lindh and his partner Brian Johnson. I had never met Brian and I hadn’t seen Frank for over 7 years.

Saturday I was invited to accompany the company James works with on their employee rafting trip. We drove to the American River north east of Sacramento. We set up camp with the other guys and I was able to use my tent – for the first time this whole trip. Sunday we got our safety training and were off on the water. I’ve never rafted before and it was a perfect introduction; a very easy first half of the day and a few class three rapids the second half of the day.

Monday we drove back to San Francisco and had dinner with Denis and Paul and Joe and David two couples that recently moved back to San Francisco from Portland.

Tuesday James and I will start the last leg of the journey to arrive in Portland later on Wednesday.