I’m really glad we’re doing this road trip in the Spring.  In so many ways, seeing the country in early Spring is better than seeing it any other time.  Right now, we’re in Palo Alto, staying with Ross’ friend at Stanford.  Stanford kids seem like a fun bunch.  They’re in finals, but let’s just say the library is a little less stuffy because of us.  Before that we were in Santa Rosa, and tonight we’ll stay with my aunt before heading East again.

Spring in the Bay area is so refreshing. It’s not too hot, but the sun shines, the grass is still green, and everything is lush.  It’s all fantastically regenerative.  In the desert, the same thing is true.  Seeing snow and sun in the high desert plateaus is a beautiful break from the heat of the summer.  It’s nice to enjoy the scenery without baking, and there are a lot fewer tourists in March.  I can’t think of a better way to see the country.

I even managed to get my swing dancing fix this weekend.  I went dancing in San Francisco’s Golden Gate park yesterday.  With such  beautiful sunny weather, there was a great crowd.  There aren’t many things that are more fun than dancing outside on a sunny Sunday afternoon.  I met a few really great folks, had a relaxing interlude, it was a great day.

The Napa Valley is really special.  In addition to the fields of apples and grapes growing everywhere, the coast is fantastic.  Cold and windy, yes, but the beach near Bodega Bay is far better than the over-touristed stretches to which I’m accustomed.  When Ross and I (foolishly) dipped our feet in the chilly water, we knew we had accomplished our mission.

We made it to California.  If only briefly, we got to experience the beauty of Spring throughout an entire region of the country.  I’m satisfied with that.  Even if we see nothing in the rest of this trip, I’ll know we’ve more than accomplished our goal.  It may be raining today, but one last rainy day before we go back can’t ruin our 5000 mile parade.  We’ve been really lucky.

People really should travel more.  It’s good for them.

Posted on March 20th, 2006 by Lee
Tagged: Roadtrip