Day 9: Headed North!

As much as we fought it, we had to leave Santa Barbara. We left around 8am after a quick coffee and morning chat with aunt Joan and uncle John before heading out for the open road.

 Peter drove most of the way while I napped and listened intermittently to Mort. The drive had some brief highs and lows. High: Seeing a bald eagle fly by. Low: Driving over a massive mudflap on the road and fearing for our car. All was okay in the end and we finished our second book on tape.

Headed north

 Rolling along through the rolling hills.

 We wanted to make good time so we decided to try our first In-N-Out burger. Peter had two hamburgers and a vanilla shake and I followed the recommendations I've heard and got the double double. Shakes were great but my burger was super salty and I left unhappy after the meal. Peter rated it good and fresh and not too salty. 

 Lots of orchards along the way.

 Last view of the water. 

 We stopped in Redding, CA for dinner by following our Road Food book to Buz's Crab and Seafood Restaurant. Peter LOVED the local dungeness crab he had the day before and this place was known for their fresh crab. 

 I am not a seafood connoisseur so I was skeptical going in. Peter gave me a taste the day before so I decided to jump right in and get a half crab with butter dipping and Buz's "almost famous" sourdough garlic bread. We tied on the bibs and got to work. The bread was crunchy and delicious and the crab was very good and not to scary for my sensitive palette. The servers were really nice and even asked if we were AAA members so we could get a discount. Rating: Lexi: 8   Peter: Good.

Peter was happy as a crab! 

We're staying in Redding for the night and it looks like the 30 Rock live episode will be the entertainment for the moment. Tomorrow will be another early morning since our goal is to reach Portland tomorrow evening.

More good friends and good food in the final stage of our road trip. Liz Lemon for now!

Lexi