For as long as my partner in life, Cephas, and I have been traveling, California has been one place that seems to draw us and keep us here.

Tonight, we’re sitting in front of a brand new Starbuck’s built on the outskirts of Yuba City, California. Only three weeks old, the building is fresh and clean as the “barista’s” who serve there. The building is large and exquisite, a big step up for Starbuck’s, who already hold the record rating for style, product and service in the Coffee World.

As travelers around the nation in our work, I am always looking for a place to plug in the laptop since I am not exactly “green friendly” with my own solar powered laptop battery. It is definitely on my list though. Freelance writing on the road living in a camper van teaches one to shuffle about cities and towns to learn where to eat, where to camp, shower, and drink coffee. Hence, the Starbucks quest is very real to us. Most importantly though, is finding wi-fi.

Wireless internet is a freelance writer’s best friend. Free wi-fi is like a gift from heaven. Since I’m writing about California, let me mention the fabulous perks available for a traveling freelance writer/peace ambassador like myself.

AT&T Wi-Fi, free with a registered Starbucks card, is available at most stores since they made the transfer from T-Mobile. The registered card gives perks beyond wi-fi, like free refills and free coffee flavors. With Coffee shops, motels, campgrounds and restaurants for the mobile office, I prefer coffee shops so free coffee anytime to keep “wired” is a plus.

California is loaded with coffee shops, coffee booths, and with Starbucks. Locations can be found up and down Interstate 5 and along Highway 101.

The best thing about California is the size of its versatile landscapes. The ocean is a mecca for sun and surf, beach combing for agates or those special abilone shells. Forests are abundant with camping in primitive style in places located in the National Forests, State Parks and County parks mostly located along the beaches.

Those beautiful redwood forests! They are probably the most spectacular places on earth, and are found right here in California. Avenue of the Giants is a “must drive” if you find yourself touring California for the first time. Be prepared to be in awe at the first site of these ancient giant trees towering to the sky. Take the exit just north of Garberville and follow the expanse of the Avenue of the Giants. The Smith River follows it in a couple areas so take time to walk its shoreline or take in a few hours of fishing and camping.

I love California! I will miss it as Cephas and I travel eastward to Washington D.C. possibly to live and write for a couple months.

The Midnight Writer