DAY 11: HIGHWAY 1

Campers greeted a stunning sunrise over the lake this morning, marking another early start on TWB. We kicked off the day on the bus with a travel-friendly breakfast featuring a choice of powdered sugar or chocolate glazed donuts and juicy oranges.

 Many of us caught up on sleep during the first leg of our drive today before making our much-anticipated stop at Walmart in Arroyo Grande, known as "the happiest town in America" and our first visit to a store in FOUR DAYS (a significant milestone on TWB)!

Continuing our journey down the breathtaking Highway One, we soaked in the panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean and California's stunning coastline. Excitement filled our bodies as we spotted seals lounging on the beaches along the way. 

Our next highlight was Ragged Point, our first scenic stop overlooking the Pacific, where we savored the views and captured memorable photos against the picturesque backdrop!

After completing our break, we continued our journey along the scenic Highway One. Negotiating the winding road in our large bus and two vans, we eventually reached the TWB rock. Here, we marveled at the beauty of nature's creation, taking time to reflect on the positive impact the trip had on each of us and how it helped us overcome personal challenges. 

Many shared their stories, leading to tears and heartfelt moments, followed by singing together, exchanging hugs, and deepening our bonds as the TWB family. This location also marked our farthest point westward, officially making us Teens Eastward Bound.

After regrouping in our vans and bus, we headed back down Highway One towards Monterey, ready for more adventure. Upon reaching Monterey, we gathered for a quick group photo before diving into exploring the vibrant town. Some of us dashed off for a caffeine fix, others indulged in creamy ice cream treats, and many snagged souvenirs to remember our epic journey together. 

However, an unexpected mudslide on Highway One threw us a curveball, forcing a detour that shortened our time in Monterey to just about 30 minutes before we had to hop back on the bus. Despite the rush, we made the most of every minute in this charming coastal gem!

Back on the bus, we embarked on our journey towards San Francisco, arriving two hours later after a journey filled with lively games—complete with intense staring contests—and devouring delicious chicken Caesar wraps for dinner along the way.

Arriving in San Francisco, we were greeted by a surprisingly chilly breeze as we unloaded at the Waller Center. Our host welcomed us warmly, and after our nightly debrief with Dallas, we geared up for an unexpected but much-needed task—laundry! 

Tomorrow's fresh clothes awaited, but first, we settled down for our first indoor sleep since our adventurous days in Texas—something we were all eagerly looking forward to. As we drift off, thoughts of exploring the vibrant city of San Francisco dance through our heads, promising more excitement and unforgettable experiences ahead!

Tomorrow we hike again... except this time it's the hills of San Fran! See y'all tomorrow!