That's our cumulative miles. We're kind of sad to be home. It's really strange to come home after a month. The house seems so big.

We left San Francisco in the morning and stopped in Half Moon Bay and then headed to Santa Cruz, our final "fun" stop before getting home.

Street performers along Pacific Avenue

Another self portrait.

Monica cried when we pulled into the driveway at 9:30pm. I think she was happy that I didn't get us killed. I seriously think she never believed we'd survive 30 days on the road on a motorcycle. It was so much fun and we learned quite a bit. In fact, we made a list of things we learned.

Lessons from the Road

1. Do not reserve the cheapest motel in town by phone without seeing it
2. Yes, you do need a facemask
3. Never give all your money up front
4. Make reservations together
5. Do not attempt to camp without proper equipment
6. Free TV is not a modern motel perk
7. Neither is a "kitchenette"
8. Only eat ethnic food made by the corresponding ethnic group. French-Canadians cannot make Thai food
9. Sunscreen, sunscreen, sunscreen
10. Toilet paper is not a substitute for feminine hygiene products
11. Book your room early in the day
12. Befriend people in large vehicles before heading into inclement weather
13. Never check your tires without air being available
14. Winding gravel roads are not good shortcuts in spite of what locals say
15. Pretend you don't know the rules
16. Ask local shopkeepers where the best food is and don't go into a restaurant that is empty.
17. Try not to stare
18. Never, under any circumstances, alarm the driver!
19. The passenger WILL get motion sickness even if you don't.
20. Take the opportunity to visit friends and family. It could be the most rewarding thing you do.
21. Go ahead and shop. The postal service is your friend.
22. Split up for a couple of hours every few days so you don't kill each other

Today we filled our empty house with life again when we picked up our pets. We're not so sure Redford was thrilled to leave his posh quarters at the Cats' Nest. He bonded with Carolee. She presented us with a phenomenal photo album of all Redford's activities throughout the month. We're so glad he has a safe and happy home away from home. The dogs seemed pleased to see us. They've been at our feet all day. We picked up our 900 lbs of mail (junk mail) and I got a jury summons. What a great thing to come home to. Vacation really has ended. But, we are glad to be home safe and sound.