California Soul.

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! 

First, Alyeska and I had breakfast at Totem Coffee, which is an absolute must stop if you’re going through Placerville! 

Smiles and sunny skies ahead..

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

Off Road.

As it should always be, our morning centered around breakfast. 

After waking from a fine sleep, my sister and I, as quickly as we arrived in Salt Lake, prepared to say goodbye to it.  

Before hitting the road, we did some research to find the most suitable breakfast spot for two young traveling gals, and settled on a very sweet spot called The Rose Establishment.  

Over coffees and treats, our eyes slowly opened and when our plates were empty, we felt rejuvenated and ready to roll.  

From Salt Lake City’s snow capped mountains, we made our way through the rest of Utah, Nevada, and finally to California.

With open road ahead of us, the majority of our drive was spent without service and we were reliant on each other’s company and the entire soundtrack of Hamilton to keep us occupied.  

It reminded me of the olden days! The days without phones, LTE’s, Internet, and just the open road and sunshine ahead of us.

At one point, we made a stop along the road in Nevada, and while stretching our legs and taking photos on the good ole fashioned Polaroid (really going old school!), we both felt completely at peace in the wilderness, isolated and without service.  

It was fantastic. That’s the kind of traveling I’ll remember best!  

Anyhoo, we pulled into Bishop around six, having made good time, and settled down for the night at Grandma’s house, falling asleep to the starriest of skies, and one very hyper kitty.  

My sister went for the Yerba Latte (lapang, souchong, brown sugar apple syrup, salted cocoa bitters, and milk), and the porridge (with rolled oats, steamed milk, peach and sage jam, and pepitas). 

I myself had a pour over (max with Ethiopia Guiji, best served black), and a lemon pie brioche (with lemon curd, cardamom bitters cream, and nutmeg). 

If you so happen to have at least a 2 1/2 car trip planned and you like history, the Hamilton soundtrack is perfect for you. Be prepared to go from boisterous singing to a face full of tears by the end though!  

Rest stop best stop.  

California, we meet again...