November 9, 1997
Santa Barbara, California, USA

As arranged, Bob picked me up at Sam’s place in Isla Vista on the morning of November 5th, and in 5 minutes or so, we were in his home in Santa Barbara. In the past few days, I have gained a great appreciation for Bob, both his personal qualities and his abilities.

Bob is currently a computer programmer, and as I have got to know him over the last few days, I’ve discovered that he is one of the most intelligent, versatile, and considerate people I’ve ever met. He has worked as a farmer, goldsmith, glass blower, army newspaper photographer in Korea, tree pruner, draftsman, machinist, and gemstone cutter. With Bob, lives JB,his wife, who he married even though he knew she has bone cancer through her body. JB is an amazing lady, and I can see why Bob cares for her so much.

Last night, I played tennis with Bob under the lights at the university. He beat me 2 sets to 1. Earlier today, I went snorkelling with Bob’s 19 year old son, Tellef. I was hoping to do some rock climbing, so Tellef and I drove up to the mountains behind Santa Barbara. I didn’t get to do any climbing, but the drive was awesome. We twisted and whined our way up Gibraltar Road, then cruised along a mountain ridge 4000 feet above Santa Barbara. Once we got to the top of the moutain, we were so far up in the clouds we couldn’t even see Santa Barbara below. We found a good place to stop, then got out and climbed a hill. It was cool looking down at the clouds and watching them being sucked up over the ridge as if by a massive vacuum cleaner. On the east side of the ridge, it was totally clear and we could see for miles. I’m really glad I got to go up there.


November 10, 1997
Santa Barbara, California, USA

Today, when I woke up, it was raining hard. This is the first time it has rained here in over 8 months. There is a lot of talk about El Nino bringing heavy flooding to California this winter. I was hoping to be out of here before it started, but now I’m thinking that I may be a little too late. Oh well, there’s no point in worrying about it. I don’t mind paddling in the rain, but setting up camp in it sucks. It’s now 11:24pm and time for bed. Bob has been letting me sleep outside in his motor home.