California Adventure

Caitlin and Krissey BARELY made it onto the flight out of Seattle (whew!) and flew to Orange County to continue their mad quest for points.  Caitlin's sister, Alex, picked up the two Bozoners from the airport and whisked them off for a good night's sleep at her house.  This was uncharacteristic luxury for the Bozoners, who were able to sleep in a bed AND take a hot shower AND eat a good meal.  Saturday morning started early with a pre-printed agenda, maps, and directions.  With Alex as the chauffeur/photographer, Krissey as the navigator, and Caitlin just sitting the back seat checking stuff out, we were off.

First stop:  The 3rd Street Promenade in Santa Monica.  We only had 3 quarters for the parking meter, so only had 45 minutes.  Time was of the essence!   We had solved the mystery location of this Bonus Point Photo (Task #91, point value:  23)

Next, we headed a few blocks toward the beach.  On the way, we were able to complete Task #17--"photo bombing" into the picture of unsuspecting people while they were trying to take a photo.  The man was none too pleased!  But how pleased were we?  We just earned 7 points!

We wandered across the street to the beach, where we were able to complete Task #19--burying a team member in the sand.  Points earned:  7.  Notice the lovely Santa Monica Pier in the background!

We raced back to the car to head to our next task.  Total time elapsed:  38 minutes!  Not bad for 3 tasks and 37 points!

We zipped down Wilshire Blvd to the La Brea Tar Pits (Task #26).  When Krissey pointed out the location to Caitlin, it was a very exciting moment!

We dashed in to take our photo.  The powerful tar aroma was something else!  Points earned:  14.

We left the Tar Pits, and dashed down Hollywood Blvd in search of our next task--at a Frank Lloyd Wright house.  We had quite a few to choose from in the LA area, but decided on Hollyhock House (Task #42, points earned:  14)

The architecture and grounds were really amazing.  We decided to knock to see if anyone would let us see the inside.

The caretaker/tour guide who answered said he was leading a tour group shortly so we couldn't come in.  Did that stop us from taking a peek?  Not on your life!

Krissey and Caitlin then sat down and had a deep, philosophical discussion about where to go next in their travels on the Non-Rev Challenge.  The grounds of Hollyhock house were a perfect setting for such  conversations!

At this point of the morning, it was time to bid farewell to Krissey as we had to make sure she returned home to Bozeman for work.  Alex and Caitlin dropped her off at LAX, and bid her a fond farewell.

Caitlin and Alex jumped back in the car and set out to try to complete one last task before it was time for Caitlin to fly home.  The task was #8--sliding down a fire station pole.  The completion of this task was turning out to be quite a challenge because we could not find any two-story fire stations.  Finally, all the research by Caitlin's sister paid off!  Hello Long Beach Engine Company #8!

Alex and Caitlin peeked in the fire station window, only to find the fire truck was gone.  "Oh great!  They are out on a call!".  And then, this very kind voice said "Can I help you with something?"  It turns out one of the fire fighters, Gary, was just showing up (in fact, that is his grey suburban-like vehicle in front of the fire station).  Caitlin explained their challenge and Gary, very graciously, offered to help.  But before Caitlin was to complete her task, Gary said "don't you want to wear some of the fire fighting gear to make it more authentic?"  Do I EVER!!  Caitlin donned her "costume",

and slid down the pole.  Total points:  5.

Caitlin then flew home to Bozeman to plot and scheme the next Non-Rev Challenge trip.  A VERY BIG   thank you to Alexandra Jordan for taking such good care of the Bozoners.  We couldn't have done it without you!