Some of you know I love to make plans. I like schedules, outlines, timelines…project management. There’s a level of comfort when I follow a plan. I feel a sense of accomplishment when I cross off items on a checklist.

But as you know, the month of February was not about plans but instead, it was about trust and exploration. I had a hazy vision of where I was going: Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado, Wyoming and Montana. I didn’t have advance reservations at campsites or very clear routes. I had a 700 page PDF that listed areas for free and paid camping sites along with access to Thousand Trails and Good Sam’s with RV campsites.

After spending a weekend in Santa Barbara, I headed toward Los Angeles to pick up two very special surprise guests, Jay and Rosie. Rosie is a friend of Butters and Jay is a man I adore to pieces. Having guests was not part of the original plan. I was thrilled when I found out (sort of last minute) I’d be picking them up.

The four of us made our way down toward the Salton Sea. In my small notebook were directions for a free campsite deep in the canyons. The directions were filled with abbreviations that made little sense. When I followed the vague directions, we ended up on a primitive road that could have easily taken us off road and into a ditch. The Touareg and Bambi shook violently as we made our way down this road. I wondered if I would get a flat, Bambi would detach or a boulder would come rolling down, Indiana Jones-style and crush us all.

The sun began to set and I hoped for the best believing that whoever camped in this spot before me paved the way so I could benefit.

We drove for miles along the rugged and dusty road which eventually led us to an area that resembled the moon.

When I stepped out, I felt as though I had landed in a sacred place.

Mecca, California.