A person must really want to get out of California to travel north from its center. It is a very long way: 636 miles. Of course, Sarah and I traveled just over half that distance in one day. So we are a little road weary, but still very excited because we are not in California anymore.
Our day began in beautiful Napa. At breakfast we decided to pace our visits to churches when we needed a good stretch and some time out of the car and a reminder of why we are doing this. So, I basically cast lots (time-honored method of decision making highlighted in the Bible) and we set out for Willows, California, population 6100 (as of 2013).
We found this charming little church on Sycamore Street locked up tight, but the parish hall was open for the town's Senior Nutrition Program. Lots of wonderful ladies with curious looks when Sarah and I ventured into the hall.
"Is there any one here from the church?" I asked.
Laughter around the table.
One of the ladies said, "Well, I thought I saw the rector leaving as I pulled in. He walks with a cane, you know."
Another offered that it was just a very small congregation.
Still another, looking not too pleased to be asked, said she didn't know anything about the church or its people.
None of them could believe that we were driving to Canada by ourselves and allowed as how my husband must be a really nice guy to let us just take off like that. Yessiree.
So we said goodbye and they wished us luck and we went and stood on the steps of the church and prayed for the congregation and the health of the rector and the good folk of Willows. We sang Seek Ye First and then we continued north.
A million crazy truck drivers playing their silly truck driver games and what seemed a very long time later, we pulled into the parking lot at All Saints, Redding. A beautiful church, also locked. Office closed. We sang standing first outside the education classrooms, Bless the Lord, My Soul and then at the front door of the church, I Sing a Song of the Saints of God.
We almost drove on but standing at the front door, I could hear the distinctive sound of a skill saw. So we headed back around to the side of the building and I saw a dog in the church at the same time I saw a door just closing. So I went to the door and a wonderful new friend, Lou Girard (Head Usher), opened up for us.
Seems they were installing a new organ and woodwork in the sanctuary. The nave of the church was set in a temporary configuration while the work was being done. The church was built in the early 90s after a failed attempt to share digs with a Presbyterian congregation. So this church also has a temporary parish hall which will become a library and office when the parish hall is finally built.
There were several men working and the dog worker, Bella, was so sweet. She followed us around and reminded me a little of Lulu (of recent memory).
After that we stopped to look at Mt. Shasta and snacked on nuts and cheese and watermelon at a rest stop.
Pushing on to get out of California, we sang and sang our way into Oregon. We rewarded ourselves with a dinner at Four Daughters Pub in Medford (would have loved to stop in Ashland at the festival, but alas today is Monday all day--maybe we'll have better luck coming back).
Ending this never-ending drive while I have a chance.
Tomorrow: The Duck Store!!
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