amidst the orchards

So we came to the end of our time in Stanford only to realize that we did not have a next direction to take. What were we to do? The thought had been of heading into Yosemite and perhaps Kings Canyon National Parks until the middle of next week, although we were a bit ill-prepared for such a jaunt. There is also the fact that of lot of the High Sierra, found in these parks and beckoning our presence, is still inaccessible due to snow. We were at a crossroads -- if not Yosemite, then what?

After considering the possibilities, we unanimously arrived at the best of decisions. We've made it to the family farm, that is Ellie's family farm in Los Molinos, Ca. Ellie's mother was raised here, and her Uncle David and Aunt Dilys now stake their roots into this plot of California's fertile central valley. The house is a farmhouse full of history, wooden floors, breezy windows, dogs, cats, birds (even a clock that chimes with bird calls), and the sounds and smells of the spring season. All the while surrounded with varieties of walnut and prune trees which we will soon have the pleasure of tending to. So far we have been in good company, eaten well, and caught up on much needed rest.

It looks as though we will hang around until Thursday of next week, at which point we make the trip down to San Francisco to spend a long weekend with our great friend Ian. A few days will be spent catching up and getting a feel for the city before the quintessential Bay to Breakers race on the 18th -- an enlightening link below. Don't expect incredible times on our part. Quite possible that we'll end up being tortilla tossers.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bay_to_breakers

I know it doesn't seem complete without photos, but this entry will have to do just as it is. I'm using the house computer, and so there is no access to our album. Soon enough though. With the amount of downtime provided in the upcoming week, we should be able to get back at it -- photos, more about our travels during the past month, updates from the farm, the whole bit.