Jam!

I had shown admirable restraint throughout the passing of a variety of road side farm stands and vegetable shops, but when we approached a sign advertising "Jam Tasting," it was all I could do not to grab Courtney's arm and swerve the wheel. Something about the pitch my voice hit in the ensuing squeal indicated to her that driving by this particular spot would be an incident not soon forgotten, and so within moments we were in the parking lot and it was just the perfect time for lunch.

The next hour or so was spent more blissfully than I could have even imagined; strawberries were picked (and consumed in excessive amounts by certain members of the party), seven different types of jam were spread on animal crackers (and consumed, again, in excessive amounts by certain members of the party), chocolate covered strawberries were purchased, and a delightful picnic was had.

And, then, because it's just such a tough life, we had to hit the road again to continue on to Santa Cruz.