California 2006

A typical Sunday

It was a day of two halves. I was abandoned by the others when they dropped me off at Saddleback Church for the 11.15am service. It's a "megachurch", with a congregation of 22,000. There were only about 1,200 people at the service I attended, which was one of four going on at 11.15am, which is one of six times they have services on the weekend. And it was slick! Cinema screens, multiple TV cameras, multimedia preaching...it wasn't as nutty as many services I've been to but they know what they're doing. I was offered a CD of the service I'd just attended as I walked out the door.

The others worshipped the god of consumerism (the god of America?) in the local malls, and we headed to Ruby's Diner for lunch before...more shopping.

Feeling vaguely guilty, and wanting to work off the breakfast of donuts Gen picked up for us, we went for a walk around Talega (where Jim and Gen live) this afternoon. The whole place would be desert if it wasn't for the water shipped in via aquaducts. As it is, there are automatic sprinklers every few feet to keep the green stuff green. We wandered up the hills behind the development, but failed to see any coyote or mountain lions. I may have to go on a solitary treck tonight to see what I can find out there. If this is my last entry, I've had a fun time.

A quiet service at the Saddleback megachurch

Slick production values. This is the praise leader in full swing

The church complex is massive. They beam the service to various locations throughout, including the coffee shop. Double espresso and God to go?

Off on our walk, after convincing Gen that we didn't need to drive to the start of the trail

It's wild country out here, once you get off the manicured estate

Steep hill climb, in terrain reminiscent of North Wales (if you close your eyes)

Hannah surveys the scenery

So does James

At the top of the mountain

More triumphant poses

A hummingbird! Unfortunately they move too fast

David with replacement hire car

The famous tame ducks of San Clemente

Neither James or Gen could be convinced to chuck a sickie and come on a road trip with us, so we're off to Death Valley on our own tomorrow. Then, Vegas!