This morning started as usual, with Tom cleaning both windshields. We climbed higher today, through the Sierras to the Sacramento Valley. We went through the Carson Pass, enjoying the views of Red Lake, Caples Lake, and Silver Lake, much of which were still frozen over. The road we had originally planned to take to Highway 49 was closed, so, upon a recommendation from a local, took another less travelled path. It was great fun! We saw many vineyards, ranches, beautiful meadows and flowers, and a herd of alpacas! We joined Highway 49 at Placerville and journied through gold country.

We stopped at three Harley-Davidson Dealerships east of Sacramento. The one at Auburn was the most refreshing after a very hot afternoon. The one in Rocklin proved to have the best tattoo. Our favorite shop was the one in Folsom. It had the best shirts and the friendliest staff. You're the winners, Stacy and Sharon!

It was a long day, so the pit stop at the home of the Robbins' daughter, Hillary Travis, was much too short. It was a welcome stop, though, with hugs and kisses for Grandma and Poppa Robbins from two adorable grandkids, Abigail and Joseph. We were even lucky enough to catch Jason home for a quick break from fighting crime with the Citrus Heights Police Department.

We stayed the night in Rocklin, happy that the air conditioning was working. We'll be heading for the coast tomorrow, hoping to find relief from the heat and traffic.