SLO town turned out to be a quaint little college town and while it seems to have everything you could need, it would likely be the same as all other small towns for me, not enough in the end. I grew up in Houston! I need the city and the diversity it brings...otherwise I get bored. But for now, SLO town is very nice; people went there for college and never seem to be in a hurry to leave. The residents like it that way and purposefully strive to keep it small. Kris informed me they were once home to the one McDonald's that did not have a drive through (they are not allowed there) but they were later ousted over the same topic. I don't think even half the residents own a car, everthing is all within walking distance.

The next morning, I was off for my next stop after a short hike through Elfin Forest. Very easy walk across a vacant baordwalk, there were these benches and each had a name or title plaque; it was interesting to see what story I could concoct with each one. There was one that stirred some major emotion, this was the one bench I took a seat on before taking notice of its plaque. Yeah, I cried looking at the empty seat next to me...I couldn't help it.

Maybe it was a combination with the stress of not having a place to stay in Santa Cruz at the time and winging it while on the road. I wasn't sure what I was feeling but crying always makes me feel better.

I secured a place to stay via Kris as mentioned. On the way there however, homesickness hit me hard. So much I had to cry it out while driving. This was after all the wonderful scenery I passed, I was okay until I got near Santa Cruz. Ali was a life saver. Not only did she show me likely the tastiest Asian spot in town, she set me up for some serious R&R. For the first time, I totally spilled guts about everything I was feeling to a near complete stranger. She and her housemates are really into Buddhism, yoga, healthy foods and even a healthy living environment. I was given a super comfy couch, warm blankets, warm tea to soothe my worries away, and a claw foot tub to soak in; she insisted I partake in all of that, which of course I did. In the morning I got to attend a hot vinyasa yoga class taught by Anne, one of her housemates. For the first time on thus trip, I finally brought out my yoga mat; and it was exactly what I needed. An hour and a half of self massage and meditation has given me the strength to face the rest of this trip. Don't get me wrong here, I'm having a lot of fun exploring everywhere I go and meeting the locals. But not having a place to stay for a few days at a time and the endless miles of highway can get rough. As soon as I feel like I would like to stay in one spot, I have to pack up and take off. Covering the Coastal highway is a long drive and I've got to be back home in time for school inservice so my schedule is pretty tight. I only wish I planned for more time at each of my stops. At this point, my mind was screaming "What the hell are you doing this far from home with nothing to rely on but your car?! Turn around and head home NOW!" I almost did just that before meeting Ali. Thanks girl, you rock!

Right now, I am still playing catch up, meh. I'm half an hour away from the hostel I'm staying in tonight waiting for laundry to finish. Quite a drive but there's nothing quite like a trunk full of clean clothes when you are living out of your car. I take so much for granted, this trip will turn me into a minimalist in no time. In the meantime, I really miss Houston.