Final Day - CCHS Coast 2 Coast II Returns Home

FINAL DAY! It's hard to believe our trip is coming to an end.  We've seen a lot, done a lot, prayed a lot, gave a lot, played a lot, bonded a lot and had a lot of fun too!

Our day Sunday began with a departure time of 8:30 a.m. We left our hotel after breakfast and then headed for Starbucks (those who know Coach Baker know that she cannot say no to that request), and after a late night arrival the day prior - Starbucks was just right.

We headed out on our day of fun and adventure....we were off to Crater Lake!  The drive up was absolutely beautiful: rivers, trees, lakes, brooks, scenery beyond belief.  As we head into the park area of Crater Lake, we were greeted with snow everywhere....snow ball fights commence! The amount of snow was incredible and overwhelming at the same time.  It's July after all, and it was 66 degrees outside too.

We rounded the top rim of Crater Lake and found a spot to stop for pictures; climbing the snow pack to see the view....oh the VIEW! A pristine lake, bluer than the sky–literally PERFECT! There we are, our whole team with flip-flops and shorts; walking through the snow for pictures.  We didn't care–the view was well worth the brief cold. It's an amazing place!

After our visit there, it was time to begin our drive home–ETA 10 p.m.! We were sad to leave, but anxious to get home, see our families, sleep in our own beds.  Along our drive we again were witness to some spectacular views and scenery.  Including a pass around Mt. Shasta–more photo-ops!

The closer we got to California, the hotter it got, too–windows down, A/C on, windows up, A/C off, pictures out the windows, snacking, laughing, joking around, calling friends and family, doing our assignments (yep, there were more projects), sleeping, and so much more! You have to give us all credit, through all the ups and downs, getting to know each other better, long drives, cramped quarters–we all walked away more united than we were when we left.

The final stretch of our trip, we pass through the Natomas / downtown area and are greeted with a fireworks display (Rivercats game); Milan said it was for our homecoming. We all know it was for us; why wouldn't it be? :-)

Arrival at Capital (we were a bit staggered because one vehicle had a max speed–love the RV) by 9:40 p.m.! We were met by our wonderful families and friends, all happy to see one another...lots of hugs for all! Hugs hello and hugs goodbye! 

For all our goals, plans, games, assignments, driving, team bonding, meals, scenery, giving back....we come away with one very important thing–we know that we (to borrow from our senior Milan) are "INCREDIBLE PEOPLE DOING INCREDIBLE THINGS"!

A giant thank you to all for your support, guidance, hospitality, tough love, prayers and most of all your Cougar Pride - GO BIG BLUE!!