So. Since our arrival in the sunny state of Cali-forn-i-a, we’ve noticed five things:

• People are shocked when we say “thank you.”

• It’s HOT. 100 F. 41 C. Do you know how many years it has been since I experienced temperatures that… that… TOASTY?

• Your malls are HUGE. Just like your beverages.

• Everything is in Spanish instead of French! And the Spanish signs? WAY MORE FUN TO READ ALOUD.

• You have just as many Starbucks as we do… but yours are all DRIVE-THROUGH.

It’s been a trip FULL of new experiences:

First time I ever drove through somewhere excessively covered on CNN and Court TV… Modesto, CA.

First In N Out experience! WOO! And you know what? I LOVED THE FRIES.

Double Double! WOO!

Our first true AUTO COOL ™ experience! NEVER PARK YOUR CAR OUT OF THE SHADE IN CENTRAL CALIFORNIA.

Tomorrow we make the last leg of our journey to Ericland, which will hopefully be as safe and uneventful as our trip thus far.

We’ve enjoyed our stay with the lovely Mike! We got a free brownie for being Canadian! We even went out for Mexican with triathletes! On the occasion of someone’s half-birthday!

But for now… a movie and bed. We’ve got a long drive tomorrow!