Day Thirteen: Turning East
Day 13 marked the end of AC and Kelly’s journey with me.
We woke up in Salinas and headed toward Santa Cruz, bound for Verve Coffee—a place that has been a cornerstone of inspiration in my coffee journey. Our family first visited Verve’s 41st Street location in 2018, and the experience set my mind spinning, influencing the design and feel of our Broad Street café. Walking back into Verve years later, I wondered if it would still hold the same magic.
It did.
The staff was unbelievably kind, thoughtful, and engaging. After our transaction, I handed them a card, sharing how that shop, in particular, had impacted Blanchard’s Coffee. The person at the register asked where we were from and mentioned a recent visit to Charlottesville. A grounding East Coast connection as I felt so far from home.
From Verve, we made our way toward San Jose Airport. I hugged AC and Kelly goodbye, then turned my directions east.
But first, Yosemite.
I drove through miles of blooming almond trees, slowly shifting into winding roads and switchbacks. I climbed past a lake, ascended further, and then—suddenly—El Capitan and the most breathtaking waterfalls I’ve ever seen appeared before me.
Reaching the visitor center, I laced up my running shoes and took off on a trail through Lower Falls, scouting out tomorrow’s adventure.
Extended time in nature changes us.
This leg of the trip was a rare experience for me—being alone. And yet, instead of loneliness, I felt regeneration.
Inspired.
