From Central Valley to Central Coast

This morning I woke up in Parlier, California and went to Parlier High School. This is in the central valley of California near Fresno. I was told to be there at 8am and when I got to the school they didn't expect me until next week. I may end up going next Tuesday or see if I can get someone in the area to cover for me. After that I went to the school district in Fresno to meet someone and then drove to Monterey since I have to work in Salinas tomorrow. The drive to Monterey was great and I saw the diversity of California.

I have done this drive a lot and it always keeps my attention. I drive through a lot of agriculture. I drive through orange orchards and where they grow table grapes versus wine grapes. I drive through small towns that have interesting restaurants and I go past pastures with long horn cows and llamas and mules. It is kind of cool that I have been on this drive enough I know where to expect the unexpected. I also like to see the reservoirs and how much water they have in them. It has been raining a lot lately so the level has gone up a little.

 It never got as low as when I was a kid and looked like a little creek instead of a lake. After driving past the reservoir I drive through more small towns. I like seeing the variety of things California has to offer. I never get tired of seeing the strawberry fields and the vineyards. I also like the artsy stuff that people do with wood to make life more interesting. This is a great state to just get out and see things. I really enjoy the part of my job that allows me to see a variety of things every day.

My trip through California is never complete until I see the coast. I was lucky enough this week that one of the schools I have to visit is near my mother's house so I can spend the night there. When I come to her house these days I always like to visit the beach where the seals hang out. I like to watch them and see what the are doing. Once when I was there they had babies and that was fun to watch. I know I am home when I can see the ocean!