We started on our way to Pinecrest right about on time. The only problem is that Stefanie's back went out, and she needed to lay down for a while before driving. ONn the way, Stef also needed to get out of the car for a bit, so we stopped at REI. While we were there, Asher tried climbing the rock wall.
He was able to make it all the way to the top although he had to do it barefoot which couldn't feel good. We left again and made it to Tracy. We stopped at a gas station for some gas and a break. I was so excited that gas in Tracy was under $4! How frightening that $3.98 is a good price. We thought we were on our way. We enter the freeway and Marley tells me that she needs to pee. That's my fault; I should have asked if she needed to go. We take the very next exit and use a grimy port-o-let. Finally we made it to Oakdale. Every year we stop at
Dorada Park for a break. It is a cool old park with a lot of character and nooks 'n crannies. The kids had a great time not sitting in the car, and Kate tried her first swing.
We got back in the car and drove. We almost got hit in Confidence by someone looking at their radio on a big turn. We missed the head on collision, but Ella got hit in the head with a rice cooker in the process. That's my fault; pack the heavy stuff down low. So the upshot of the drive up is that we turned a 4 hour drive into an 8 hour drive. We arrived at 8:30 after dinner was done and packed up. But at least we made it.
There are a number of secret ambitions we harbor deep in our hearts. Today Asher and I both get to scratch one off. We are leaving to Pinecrest. Every year we spend a week with my in-laws at a cabin by the lake. We have said for the last few years we would mohawk our hair for the vacation. Today we did. It will be funny to see the look and expression of my in-laws when we arrive. My wife was kind of surprised when we came downstairs. She decided she probably should have a tatoo to go with her son having a mohawk, but I think that is a bit over the top.
