California

Well, we got to L.A. safely after our flight from Raleigh to LAX (with a layover in Memphis). We took a shuttle from LAX to Shawn's friends Heidi's house in downtown Hollywood. It took us a good 2 or so hours to go 30 miles because we hit rush hour. That was nuts. We hung out with Heidi and went out to eat and stuff. Nothing too crazy. Tim was really really sick, so we got him some meds and went to "bed" around 12 or so. But, keep in mind, that was about 3 in East Coast time. All four of us slept on the floor in the living room...a very tiny living room. Scott's friends from San Luis Obispo decided to drive down to Hollywood and spend the night with us. So, about 3 that morning, Bart and Nate walked in the door and crashed on the floor with us. It was pretty great. We woke up around 8 and left with Bart and Nate to go to their house (3 hours away.) Tim was going to his friend's house in L.A. and Shawn was staying with Heidi. The ride up north was super super fun. These guys are quickly becoming my favorite people ever. They are definitely Lords of Dogtown types, and I'm already starting to talk like them. I have to say, these are my kind of people. We got to their house and chilled for a while. The time difference is already kicking my butt. This place is unbelievable, though. There are beautiful green rolling hills, huge rock formations, beautiful hacienda-looking houses, and an unbelievable coastline. We made dinner and had game night with their friends. We met some great people and did some awesome things yesterday, but I honestly don't remember too much of it. I was sooooo tired and out of it. We stayed up watching a movie at a theater til about 1:30 (4:30 in my mind), so I went right to sleep when we got back. I slept great, too. I really needed that.

Today we went with Bart and Nate to see the elephant seals. The coastline is so incredible. It looks like something from Hawaii. I can't believe how beautiful it is here. There are volcanic rocks and huge HUGE surf. The grass is so green and the water is so blue. The rolling hills/mountains have lots of cows on them, so it looks like a postcard from rural paradise. The weather has been pretty mellow. The sun is out with some cloud coverage. It rained for 30 minutes or so, but it's been much better than snowy Staunton. We drove by Hearst Castle where there are zebras. CRAZY. We explored the coast and watched the enormous elephant seals for a while. We're hoping to go surfing later, but we're all pretty beat and it's only 2:00. It's been a great adventure so far, and we're not even out of the States yet. I wish I could explain to you how much fun we're having so far, but words and pictures are just not enough. Miss you all.