I had mixed feelings about California.  The Pacific Coast was stunning, the traffic was horrible, the drought was (and still is) devastating and the scenery was amazing.  The California that I remembered from my youth was not the California I saw on this trip.  But nothing stays the same, everything changes.  Plus memories tend to soften over time.  I was surprised at California, but I enjoyed my time there also.  It was sad, beautiful and a wonder all in one.

Post shout out:  I pray for all the brave men and women who are fighting the fires in the West (not just California).  We did not see a fire, but drove through the smoke created by one and it was amazingly thick and made it hard to breathe.  I cannot imagine fighting one of these fires up close.  I pray for the safety and that this drought might end soon.