I don’t think I can even put into words how great a time I had in NorCal! It went so smooth and couldn’t have come at a better time. Nathan and Jared were the perfect hosts. With the help of Carly and Sabrina, these four made my vacation one I will never forget. I cannot thank you all enough! I miss you and Norcal already!
Even the start of the vacation made me believe that I was going to have a great time. It began at TGIF in the Indy airport having a beer with Ray Fisher – an Indiana University alum entering the NFL draft this weekend! We chatted about the draft and partying at IU. Ray led the NCAA in kick-off return average last year. The Colts need a kick returner! (Update: Colts draft Ray Fisher!)
Even my layover was great. I had dinner at an airport bar in Minneapolis. I was there long enough to meet about three groups of people as they ate. It was like I was sitting at Cheers – like I already knew these people. I guess a few beers make everyone pretty friendly. I finally landed in San Fransisco at about 4am EST. We hit the sack as soon as Nathan drove us to his house in San Jose.
I certainly like San Jose. Especially the area Nathan is living. It’s surrounded by mountains and some beautiful houses. There are two close parks that I ran and biked through. With a MMA fighter as a brother, I exercised more in Cali than I do at home! It was awesome.
After two nights in San Jose, Nathan and I headed up to see my youngest brother, Jared. He showed us Folsom – another great area of Norcal. The next day, he took us to Lake Tahoe for some skiing. From the speedy lifts to the incredible landscapes, I don’t think I’ll be able to ski at an Indiana slope with the same excitement.
Speaking of incredible landscapes, the three of us then spent two nights at Yosemite. If you go to only one place in your life to see the beauty of the United States, this has to be it. We went on two pretty intense hikes. During the hikes, it was nearly impossible to turn around and not be amazed that our planet can look so breathtaking. Camping was great with my brothers. We had a really fun time.
I also had a fantastic time in San Fransisco. Of all the people that I could have met on the train there, I sat next to a woman that has a cousin in Fishers and a parent in Indy. I still can’t believe that we live in such a small world. After some sight seeing with Jared and Sabrina, we met Nathan and Carly for some clam chowder. Carly hooked us up with tickets to opening day at AT&T Park (formerly Candlestick). The Giants lost, but seeing that ballpark was very cool. Thanks to Mom for treating us all to a night at Dave & Busters afterward! That night was priceless!
My flight home went smooth. Going over the time I just had made me wish I had been able to stay longer, even though I was there for over a week and a half. I’m excited my brothers are doing so well for themselves in an area of the country that is simply amazing.
Among the great time I had each day there, I can think of few hiccups. Ripping off a piece of my fingernail, my watch breaking, and Nathan’s car going down on the way to Pebble Beach were some minor buzz kills. However, my nail will grow back, my watch can be easily fixed, and not seeing Pebble Beach is just another motivator to get out there again. I will be back.
I don’t think our California trip will be as epic as the trip my dad and uncle had in 1969, but it sure was close.
