Tulare, California

The 2007 Summer Road Trip, part 1.
Enjoying the comforts of an airconditioned hotel suite and high speed wireless (yes, I forgot my lan cable), I pause in my modestly clad moment to reflect on the first leg of our adventure to the West.
Arid. From the Texas hillcountry to the Pacific Ocean, that word best encapsulates the color brown that has accompanied us westward. Oh sure, there are repeated punctuations of artificially pumped oases sprouting monocultured produce along the way, but aside from these short-lived anecdotes live the native sage, cactus and desert scrub of this rainless region. The paradox is the plethora of people, populations pooled in pockets of prosperity, yet portraying the preposterous propensity of our species to ignore what seems obvious to this displaced Irishman... it's a desert. There are millions and millions of water-dependent people living in a desert, pumping up ancient waters and channeling the flowing remnants of some mountain rain. And more people come.
Scaling the mountains of southern California until the Pacific is in view, the landscape suddenly turns Hawaiian... tight-cramped real estate knit together with tropical vegetation and long lines of cruising cars driving slow enough to see and be seen. We envy the speeding bicycle lane passing the clogged car lanes, and appreciate afresh the respect Californians allow motorcycles as they are permitted to 'drive the line', passing between cars in their lanes. The air suddenly became cool, dropping 30 degrees in honor of the the chilled ocean waters flowing down from the Arctic. I can certainly appreciate the appeal of living in a sunny, air-conditioned climate, especially if you are an affluent extrovert.
The highlight of our trip, however, has been the opportunity to visit with old friends and family. Starting with the great visit with Dad and the Kelley boys (Justin and Chase) and a Father's Day fishing trip in Rockport, we headed up to visit the Hendersons of Junction, Texas. From Junction we headed through VanHorn, Texas, to spend the night in the mountains of Silver City, NM, a quiet college town of artisans and tourists. From there we headed north into the mountains for a scenic entrance into Phoenix, AZ, to visit with Kathy's aunt and uncle Hoag.
From Phoenix we headed down I-8 toward the coast, where we eventually met up with old friend and successful Irishman, Nick Jordan. Nick is a blessing, and we truly enjoyed the time we spent with this charming and loving father of 2 energetic boys. We also enjoyed the honor of a meal with Princess Evelyn, daughter Sheila, and Dr. Lear.
By the way, anyone heading to Tulare, CA, needs to have a meal at Cool Hand Lukes... amazing food.
Today we head into the mountains of the Sequia forests.
All for now. Jim.