On February 10th we escaped the California desert. We left in beautiful Indio sunshine. Palm trees swayed in the breeze with blue skies and mountains in the background.

Thirty miles later we left Palm Springs and the desert behind to go over the mountains to L.A. What happened?

Rain, wind, and eventually snow at El Tejon Pass made this an interesting day of driving. Even the California drivers slowed down for this weather. We passed four snow plows heading up the pass as they prepared for the coming storm. The pass was closed before we reached our motel that night. However, we got through safely to the central valley.

After a peaceful night in a Best Western motel we continued northward. The central valley is long and sometimes boring, but when the rains have brought life to the hills it provides endless views of rolling hills.

After traversing the hills and passing through Oakland we crossed the bridge into Sonoma County.

Time for a rest.

Paul