36,000 Miles Between LA & the Bay Area 🛣️

For so long, I’ve wanted to put into words what it felt like to drive back and forth between Los Angeles and the Bay—a journey of about 1,200 miles round trip, adding up to roughly 36,000 miles over time. I meant to write this when it all ended, but life got in the way—until today. Those 36,000 miles became the longest, most frequent, and most meaningful stretch of road I’ve traveled since I got my license at 18. So here’s to I-5—a road worth remembering. Along this highway: 📚 I listened to an entire audiobook series, rediscovered old favorite songs, and stumbled on new ones I now love. 🌾 I watched the grass around San Luis Reservoir turn from gold to green, then fade to ash in wildfire season. 🍖 I smelled the unmistakable scent near Harris Ranch (yes, that smell), yet enjoyed some of the best American BBQ there, too. There were summers with bugs stuck thick on the windshield, and sunsets that painted the sky gold, pink, and deep blue before fading to black. In winter, fog draped the ranches so thick you could barely see ahead. Further south, crossing the Tejon Pass, snow-capped mountains emerged under crisp, cold air. In California, it often feels like there are only two seasons: summer and winter. My favorite stretch? Heading north from I-5 onto Highway 152—a winding downhill road under a sky full of stars, giving just a hint of that Initial D downhill vibe 😉. Then, as Gilroy’s garlic farms neared, the spell broke, replaced by that strong, earthy scent. One small regret? Never trying those mini avocados from a farm sign that read, “15 or 20 for $1.” To all still traveling I-5: May your journeys be safe, and may this road be kind to every soul in a hurry. #CaliforniaLife #LAToBayArea #RoadTripMemories #I5Highway #CaliforniaDriving #LifeOnTheRoad #WestCoastVibes 🌄🚗💨