Right now, its of paramount importance for me to live in the moment and accept things as they are and not as they could be or how I want them to be. I have to be the calm within the chaos swirling around me. Remain level-headed and sharp as I continue on this journey. I have a long drive ahead of me today to Auburn but I am looking forward to the time to think and contemplate everything and the places I’ve been. I am looking forward to spending time with family as well. – October 12, 2017, 10:34am, MacKerricher State Park, Fort Bragg
I woke up as the sun crested over the hedge behind my campsite warming my camper up and slowly stirring me awake. I got more and more comfortable in that camper as the time went on and I really got some of the best night’s sleep I’ve ever gotten on this trip. I took a short walk to the beach to meditate and write in my journal. Despite the sun already high in the sky, the air was crisp with a morning dew hanging in the air. I sat on a bench near the ocean looking out towards the black sand beach. I sucked in the last moments at MacKerricher as I mentally prepared myself for the drive ahead. The plan was to head east towards my aunt and uncle’s house in Auburn. The drive would take about 4 hours and possibly more as fire were roaring all over northern California at this time.
The drive itself wasn’t too harrowing but it was tragic seeing the amount of smoke and devastation along the highway. Scarred trees and countryside filled my vision as I got deeper inland. I had to drive alongside Clear Lake for a portion of the drive and smoke was just sitting over the top of the lake. I finished the drive in about four hours and was soon at my aunt and uncle’s doorstep.
It was great to be around family and get some quality time. Since leaving Oregon, I had seen so many cool places but hadn’t seen anyone to tell the story to. It was nice to get that out against the beautiful backdrop of their backyard. 
My aunt Christina made ribs that I devoured upon impact and I even got to beat my Uncle Dennis in one on one on his home-made court. It was incredibly relaxing and I even got my own room with a huge bed. 
In the morning my uncle and I got to talk for a long time about life and basketball over some coffee and eggs. The whole visit was a nice reset for me after being out in the wilderness for the last couple of days. It was fun being able to share my experiences with my aunt and uncle and take with me the tips and trick that they had picked up over the years. Before I left, they made sure to load me up with all sorts of treats and trail food and even a card wishing me well on my journey.
Major shout out to the Canyon Kooks!
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