Sayonara!

Well, I did it. I left San Diego. After 15 years – my entire adult life – I packed the car and drove north. It was difficult saying goodbye to everyone (I even got a few calls as I was driving north on 15), but I'm sure once I get back east, I'll be too busy to remember. Luckily, things like blogs and emails make it easier to stay in touch with everyone. Of course, before I actually left, I ate a ceremonial burrito at Santanas (I collected ten receipts so my burrito was free!).

I stopped at Joshua Tree on my way north just to touch the rocks one more time. I went straight to my favorite spot (Gunsmoke) and worked on the route a few times before jumping back in the car and leaving the Park. I ate one last meal at The Crossroads Cafe and then drove north to my parents' place.

I'm trying to get in touch with my friends and family in the area and hope to train in Fresno, Reno, Berkeley and Redwood City before I leave. I also want to ride Highway 9 again and visit some of the state parks in the Bay Area where I learned to climb.

Here are some pictures I took yesterday before and during my drive north: