A year ago, I kissed my girlfriend goodbye and pointed my car south. Driving what was familiar for the day, then heading into unknown territory for the next few days, then the rest of the year. It was my first road trip and the start of a new adventure.

Then today, I left with a hug to my friend and driving west. With a view of the fog covered San Joaquin valley in front of me and snow covered mountains in my rearview mirror, some worship on the radio and rolling grass covered hills all around me, I was overwhelmed by the beauty of the landscape and started thinking about this year and all that has happened.

And I got hopeful for this next year.

With that said, it was a good vacation.