It’s always great to wake up the morning after a season opening win, let alone any win. Riding high, I was off to meet with a former professor of mine, Lewis Sheats, for coffee at 42nd & Lawrence. Lewis and I have continued a friendship since graduation and I am glad to call him a friend and a mentor. Our talks may not last long, but he has always left me with insight and advice to mull over. I am forever grateful for all the lessons, conversation, and perspective gleaned in and out of the classroom.

Continuing my day of meetings, I called a family friend, Andy McClain, to see if he wanted to grab lunch. It was my treat this time. Community Deli has been a staple of Raleigh for years and it never disappoints to grab a bite for lunch there. Andy and I met just before I left to talk. about the west and the time he spent in Wyoming after graduation. It was good to catch up and chat about my trip so far and gain a little more perspective on other things tumbling around my head with someone who had lived away and come back to North Carolina.

Later I had drinks with my sister, Liz, at Vita Vite, one of her favorite spots; but it’s also owned by a friend so we like to support locals. Heading home, I planned to have pizza for dinner and finish watching the UNC vs Va Tech game. When Va Tech came out on top, I couldn’t help but crank some “Enter Sandman” before heading to bed.

I had a quick Saturday Adventure run this morning and then set off for Myrtle Beach, to catch up with some friends. Of course, I had to stop and get Bojangles on my way out of town. Chicken biscuits have been the one thing I have craved all summer long. I would stop by and see my friends Nathan & Morgan See and their kids for a bit, catching up on life, how my trip was going, recent epiphanies I had had, and much more. It was so good to see friends, even for a short while. Unable to see other friends with new born babies, I asked Nathan if he could deliver a couple gifts. Before leaving Myrtle Beach, I called Davis McGowen and stopped by their house. Today was his youngest daughter, Jayson’s, birthday. The house was full of family and children all running around. On my way out, I was able to spend a few minutes with he and his wife Jennifer to catch up. I do miss my community from Myrtle Beach dearly.

I got back on the road and headed home, making it in time to watch the UGA vs Clemson game. What a game it was for defense. UGA looks like a title contender, while Clemson has fallen off quite a bit.

I am normally an early riser, but sleeping in has never been so welcomed. Taking my time to drink some coffee and read through the paper, I eventually got ready for church and headed downtown. Meeting mom and Liz there, I was in for a treat. Scott Erickson was guest preaching again today, and I always enjoy his sermons. Later in the afternoon, I went to see my friends Jason and Catherine to see their new baby girl, Lennon. She is precious and will be loved by so many.

With an early flight back to California tomorrow, I went to Moms to stay the night and have a good dinner. Falling sleep, I watched the Notre Dame vs FSU game. It was much better than the UGA vs Clemson game. Thank goodness football season has started again.

4am came early again, but I made it to the airport and boarded on time. Both flights today were good, even though I couldn’t sleep. I was anxious to get back and curious how I would feel when I landed. Would California still feel like the place to be? Could I call it home? Uncle John picked me up and we grabbed Thai food for lunch. After getting home, I spent a little time reorganizing Pearl, as we would be heading off again soon. Then it was off for an afternoon bike ride to Asilomar. On the menu tonight for dinner was hot Italian sausage and braised kale. Missing the hot tub, I hopped in after dinner and then watched the Louisville vs Ole Miss game before bed.

Waking today at 6, the day began as uneventful as it would end. I had a few errands to run, but was unsuccessful at each stop. When I returned, Gianna was there working with Uncle John on the porch. I joined them, but for the most part just stared out to the sea. I hadn’t really felt well all day, but simply had no appetite. Falling asleep around 730, I was hoping to sleep all night.

The next morning, I still had little appetite, but managed too eat a bit if breakfast at Victorian Corner. Pancakes were just what I wanted, I just couldn’t eat all of them. With little to do, but plan the next adventure, I managed to look ahead and focus on what was to be instead of what was already passed. Before dinner, I met Gianna for a walk at Asilomar with her dog. Having a small dinner, I took a short soak in the hot tub before bed.

My last day in the Monterey Bay Area for at least a week, I would spend relaxing. Hungry for adventure, my mind wandered to what I would find up the coast. I had a few spots to stop and was certainly excited for what was to come; delicious foods, tasty beverages, and amazing scenery.

Week 16 Mileage – 30

Month 4 Mileage – 428 (Total – 10381)