I have finally (and reluctantly) returned back to The Gnome Abode from my amazing trip to California. I could see myself taking up residence in another gnome village out there someday. But alas, I have some loose ends to tie up back on the home front first.

I never leave home without my travel journal. However, writing gets to be a pain in the ass. Therefore, I just had strangers take pictures at various points along my journey!

Strangers love taking pictures of gnomes! We’re so photogenic! Well except that one guy who threatened to behead my brother. I don’t want talk about it.

Airplanes are awesome!

Do you know why airplanes are awesome? Because you can get drunk on them! Hellooooo, Jack Daniels and Diet Coke! Pour me another, Miss (I wish you were hot) Flight Attendant!

Look at how far I freaking hiked! This is on path of the Upper Yosemite Falls Trail. Sometimes we all need to get lost in the mountains to feel how small we really are in this world.

I visited one of my very best friends in Auburn, Liz, owner of Gnome Habitat USA!

http://www.auburnjournal.com/detail/94945.html

There were thousands upon thousands of gnomes here. It was so overwhelming. I was invited to afternoon tea in this little cottage on the outskirts of the habitat.

Then I visited one of my other best friends in Santa Rosa, Jean, owner of Gnome Man’s Land!

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/03/21/HO2016ETRU.DTL

Most of the time I was there, Jean was trying to convince her gnomes that it really was springtime and they should go out in the yard and get to work. It was only about 50 degrees that day, so I can’t say I really blame them. I had  a lovely stopped by this tree house for a smoke break with some of the nearby residents.

Then I headed back to San Francisco for some beach time. It was chilly, but the sunsets were gorgeous. I think I look quite stunning in this light, don’t you? Perhaps this will be my next Match.com profile pic.

On my last day in Cali, I enjoyed a relaxing hike around the San Francisco Bay. Those rocks out in the water looked so climb-able and I was tempted to go for a swim. But then I recalled a recent Dateline NBC episode that featured the Top Ten Gnome Deaths of the Modern World. Three of the top ten were due to drowning. Better safe than sorry, as Grandgnomma always used to say.

Signing off until my next adventure,

Sheldon The Gnome