It seems that California has a hold on me. 

It would make sense, considering that it is the place of my birth. Like Alaska (which will forever pull me like a magnet towards its shores), California is one of those places that makes me feel a certain way.  

Sometimes, it’s pure rage at senseless traffic, but other times, it’s that windows-down-singing-at-the-top-of-your-lungs-in-the-California-sunshine kind of feeling. 

And this trip has resurfaced all of those “feelings” (especially the anger at aggressive drivers- guys, I’m from Alaska, give me a break on the highway!). 

Last time I left off, my sister and I had just rolled into Bishop. We spent a day there, visiting with my grandma and her lovely llamas, then we made our way to Placerville and on to San Francisco, my soon to be home.  

We had the classics on queue, like Journey’s Lights and Marlena Shaw’s California Soul, and my sister and I concluded our trip in one of my most treasured cities: San Francisco.  

Showing her around my old grounds, driving up and down the steep streets of the city in my tiny Fiat, spending way too much money on clothes, and eating the finest foods on the Wharf, I was reminded of why I’m coming back: I love my city by the Bay! 

Though my sister has since returned back to South Dakota and I am left alone for a few days, I am happy to be in California once more, for its about to become my home again!

Oh California, you will always be a part of my soul.. 

We somehow managed to score pet points in nearly every place we stayed the night. This cat, Lucy, was one of my favorites. 

Farewell Bishop... 

Sunny skies in Tahoe, and all the way through  to Placerville..

As is tradition, Alyeska and I had lunch at the Argonaut in Coloma, one of my all time favorite cafes.

Sounds an awful lot like the start of my next chapter... 

Next morning: onwards to San Fran! 

Smiles and sunny skies ahead..

Many thanks to my sister for being such a swell road trip companion! Until the next one.