And so it begins...

Some of you may know that due to Krissie being terribly high maintenance I started my trip today instead of yesterday.  I blame Landry.  For the unborn he is such an attention whore.

Since I didn't drive to Porterville yesterday (oh darn!) I went to the Castle wrap party. I had to wear girl clothes and hang out with some of my favorite people.  People who during the course of nine months of me wearing what one background artist likes to refer to as my "hobo clothes" forget that I am in fact a girl.  That is were Bebe comes in.  Thank you vaguely trashy high end clothing.  Thank you very much.

Here are the discoveries of the day:

1) Google maps are NOT the way to go when it comes to getting to hotels in small towns near national parks.  Yes, you will eventually get there.  By driving down poorly marked backroads for hours. 

2) It is totally possible to get up at 8am after a wrap party and drive for 7 hours stopping for a nice leisurely lunch with friends along the way. 

3) It is also possible to take a 2 1/2 hour nap after you check in at your hotel.

4) It is also completely possible to see all of Groveland in the half hour between waking up from your nap and going to your dinner reservation.

5) Historical discovery:  Groveland used to be called Garrote (yup, hanging). They changed the name sometime after the gold rush.  Wonder why?

When checking in at the lovely and very old fashioned Groveland Hotel I took my bottle of sparkling cider and headed to my room. I was pleasantly surprised that in place of the twin beds I was expecting was a queen.  Covered in teddy bears.  I have been officially up-ed to 10 years old.  Wooo hooo.

And now for the sad news, there is no cell phone reception up here in wilderness paradise.  Gina, if you have sent me some sass in response to my text from earlier today I have not received it.  Do not feel as though you have won.  Mother, I am alive despite not answering the phone when you call.  In the event of my horrific death, I will get word to you.  Promise. 

Until tomorrow dear friends….

P.S. No commentary on my trapeze photos?  You are jaded souls.  JADED.

And here are the pictures of the day:

Annie at the beginning of the summer, so clean.

Krissie and John.  Krissie is 7 months pregnant and looks FANTASTIC.

No, I am not staying in the haunted room.  I'm staying in the room under the haunted room.