Road Trip Update 4 - Aug 10-15

Connor Dean Banich

I was too excited to meet my new nephew to sightsee my way from San Fran to the OC.  Plus, I'd driven the PCH down that stretch a few times already. Would've been nice to do, but my 3 week old nephew wasn't getting any younger. So, Sarah and I grabbed a big road trip conducive breakfast and I was headed out of the Bay Area by 9.  I expressed my way out of SF via the 101, over the Pacheco Pass and down the 5 freeway.  I made it to Huntington Beach in 7 hours door to door... Good time.

Cry Babies

First thing I did when I met my new nephew... fed him. He was due for a bottle the second I walked in and we became best buds right away. Its amazing how little he is... And here are my mom and sis saying they can't believe how big he's gotten in 3 weeks. I was honored when Brandon and Lindsay asked me to be his godfather.  I wholeheartedly accepted.  I'm so proud of the little guy and his parents.  I spent the next few days getting to know him and catching up with my west coast family and friends.

Stephanie & Jay

Next was my friends Steph and Jay's wedding.  Lindsay, Brandon, Grammy, Connor and I roadtripped through some damn hot Mojave desert to beautiful Flagstaff, AZ on Saturday.  The wedding was a western themed affair on a gorgeous ranch. Ceremony and reception were all right there.  The bride and groom were the happiest couple I've ever seen.  I caught up with a bunch of old friends and met lots of new people.  It was another awesome time. Congrats again Steph and Jay... I love you guys.

Hit the road Sunday morning and arrived back in the OC in time for dinner. I spent Monday getting ready for my flight out and made a swing past my last work project in Torrance to visit my extended family at Hensel Phelps.  We went to lunch and I was able to catch up with some great old friends.  Thanks for lunch Kelly!  Great seeing everyone, and the job looks great!

I can't believe this amazing 3 week trip is coming to an end.  It was an absolute blast and while any financial advisor would've recommended against all of this, I am so happy and grateful I pulled it off. I had such a great time, that I'd normally be wishing I had more time.  But, I've been keeping tabs on my friends on the trail... Especially Smokestack. As you can see, they are finished or nearly finished with their AT journey and it's getting me excited to get back out there and wrap up mine.

I fly tonight from Long Beach on a red-eye back to Boston. I'll spend Tuesday resting up, gearing up and resupplying for my push through the White Mountains of New Hampshire.  And like the way this hike began 5 months ago in Georgia, the Dogfather will shuttle me up to Kinsman Notch on Wednesday.  I expect a lot less snow this time. HA

I want to thank everyone that has been following my blog for the support.  This trip reconnected me with lots of people who have been following along.  It meant so much to have people reading, genuinely interested and pulling for me.  THANK YOU SO MUCH.

-natedog