Week two has rolled quickly up the western coast and towards Canada. I started the week heading into California, a place who's landscapes were extremely stark in contrast. Through the drought in its dry, hot, dead lands the state was depressing but a few curves of the road and I was in enchanting giant forests that were lush, alive, green and refreshingly cold at night. Starting at beautiful Big Bear lake, through the Sequoia and Kings Canyon national parks where the giant redwood forests take their foothold, I then traveled through the valleys and orchards of California's endless fields of produce. I stopped for some incredible fruit and the best strawberries I've ever had along the way, finally arriving at Yosemite National Park. This park is huge and takes hours to navigate. There are countless breathtaking views and tons of wildlife through the winding mountain roads. If you get a chance to visit, you should. Sleeping under the stars here was a serene yet breathtaking experience. After a night in the deer filled park I headed towards the coast for a night with some dear friends in Santa Rosa and their sweet daughter. I then drove up to Portland for a day at the zoo with my old friend and his wonderful children. Shared incredible food, fun bars and some great conversation. Portland is an incredibly charming place to stroll through and get lost for a while, and I did just that. Next I headed to the last state before my ascent into Canada - Washington. Again having the pleasure of spending time with my wonderful friends, I've enjoyed the last few days of adventures, eating incredible seafood, enjoying local music, having adventures at the lake, and wandering through the small Viking village of Poulsbo. Today I leave Seattle and head up through Canada, next stop- Alaska!

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