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Michelle Gaines

Jeffery Tate

English 1113 Comp. 1

Sept. 9, 2022

Traveling to California

I had just woken up from my nap. I had forgotten where I was. I looked over at my niece

who was leaning her head on my shoulder. She had a lollipop stuck to her hair, as she was

sleeping. We were all cramped in a Toyota Sienna Minivan. On a road trip to see my brother

David in California. This would become a road trip that I would remember for years to come.

My younger brother David lives in Sacramento, California. It has been years since I saw

him. During summer break, my parents decided to visit him for a family trip. Instead of flying,

we drove. My Mom, Dad, my brother Monty, sisters Sheena and Silvia, my niece Sabrina,

nephew Alex and myself went on this journey. We all met up at my parents' home in Canton,

Oklahoma. Sheena brought the rental she got from Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. We packed and

loaded the minivan. Then we started on our 1,600-mile journey to Sacramento, Oklahoma. We

drove on Interstate 40 going West. Amarillo, Texas was our first stop. We stopped for snacks

and essentials. When we entered New Mexico, it was pouring rain. We made rest stops before

we made it to Albuquerque. We made a pitstop at the Pueblo Indian Reservation. We bought

souvenirs at the Indian Trading Post gift shop. I enjoyed looking at the skilled beadwork,

homemade pottery, and artwork. After that, we left and continued our trip. By the time we

reached the State of Arizona it was morning. The sunrise in Arizona was amazing. The scenery

was filled with plateaus and mountain ranges. I was happy when we stopped at the rest area. I got

out and looked at the scenery. Throughout Arizona, I was looking out the window gazing at the
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scenery. As soon as we made it to Flagstaff, we made a stop to get essentials. Then we finally

made it to California. I saw valleys and hills stretched as far as I could see. After hours passed by

it became dark outside. I had no idea where we were at. At that moment, I saw huge letters that

read Bakersfield. The lights in the letters were lucent. Further on in the city, we made a rest

stop. The nearest city after that was Fresno. I do not remember much about Fresno. I was asleep

when we passed through. When I woke up, I saw palm trees everywhere. I had never seen palm

trees before. We were getting closer to Davids's house. I was getting anxious and excited. We

pulled into Davids's home in the morning. We were all exhausted and tired from the long drive.

But nonetheless, I was happy to see my brother David and his wife Jeanine and their two sons

Landon and Luca.

We stayed in California for two weeks to spend as much time with David and his family.

We went sightseeing around Sacramento. Sacramento was remarkably busy and packed. On the

last day, we traveled to Monterrey Bay, California. It was located near the coastline. We went to

the largest aquarium I have ever been to. I remember strolling on the boardwalk. Then we

walked to the beach together. I saw the ocean for the first time. I had never seen the ocean

before. The color was bluish green. I instantly took off my socks and shoes. As I walked into the

ocean, I felt the sand between my toes. The water felt cool. The ocean air felt so relaxing.

As the years passed, we would go on many family trips. I will never forget this road trip.

The journey was long and tiresome at times. But it was completely worth it. I got to see my

brother, who I have not seen for years. I got to bond with my family on the way to California.

Making memories along the way. I saw unique and interesting things along the way. I went to

places I never thought I would ever go. I would love to go back and take my family one day.
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