Officially drove across the entire country and landed in our final state. Soon after we crossed the Oregon/California border there was a change in scenery. Stopped at a gas station and figured out that the wierd smog we were driving through was WILDFIRES. For miles and miles all we could see was the different gradients of gray; there was smoke filling valleys and bordering the highways. Quite the eeeerrriiieee feeling driving through the mountains of california on a winding road and only seeing whats right in front of you. Made it to my sweet Aunt Carol's house just after the sun went down and were greeted with a wonderful meal and fresh baked cookies! Our first real bed since we started and with perfectly clean sheets and soft white pillows, we felt like royalty! Woke up and explored MONTGOMERY WOODS in UKIAH CALIFORNIA. This was Lacey's first view (and smell) of the REDWOODS. I envy the birds and critters that live among these great trees; So far away from humans and so close to the clouds. Aunt carol took us on a tour including the museum of GRACE HUDSON who was a famous painter who focused on capturing the traditions of the POMOAN INDIANS, local falafel from the gas station (remarkable!), and a walk through the VILLIAGE OF TEN THOUSAND BUDDHAS.