I can remember the first time I met Petra, her daughter Jennifer, and Petra’s girl friend Shannon. They got a room at a motel in Gilroy to spend the night there before going on to Parkfield. I was to drive them down there for a field trip given by Dunane Hamann a school teacher there as well as the one man operator of the laser that measured movement along the fault. He was going to be our tour guide. We were also to meet other people there who we had met through posting on Syzygy.

As soon as they checked into the motel they called me. I had the Explorer all nice and cleaned and a tank full of gas as I was going to give them a tour of my area. I met them in the lobby of the motel. Hugs and greetings were exchanged. Petra introduced me to her daughter. After talking a bit I told them to lock their room as I was going to take them on field trip. Petra and Jennifer rode in the backseat and Shannon was up front with me. One of the first things that got a chuckle out of me although I didn’t let it show at the time was the problem Petra was having getting into the backseat of my vehicle. My Explorer wasn’t exactly something you would step into, but more like something you would climb into. Petra could have used a box as she was having a heck of time getting in. Once everyone was in and all buckled up we were on our way. One of the first places we went to was Coyote Creek, otherwise known as the Calaveras Fault. I pointed out the poison oak and the star thistles so no body would make any contact with them. I don’t think anyone had any problems with either one.

After we left there I took them to Mt. Madonna. We had to cross over the Sargent fault. I showed them where the fault was by the change in the soil structure in the side of the hill along the road. The other way to tell where the fault is is by the plant growth. On the east side of the fault you will black oak, scrub oak and manzanita. On the west side you will find, redwoods, Madrone and laurel. This is due to the different types of soil.

My plan was to take them to the epicenter of the Loma Prieta quake, but it was getting late so I turned around and took them to the deer pin. This is where they have white deer (Fallow deer). As soon as the deer saw us standing at the fence they came over looking for a handout. The ladies had a marvelous time there.

When I got them back to their motel they asked me where would there be a good place to eat. I told them the best place would be the “Long House” and then I told them to stay out of the southern part of Gilroy at night. They didn’t ask why, but said they would. I told them I would pick them up at 5:30 in the morning.

Keep in mind now that this was the first time Petra had ever been in a car when I was the driver. I was driving my usual way. If the police ever stopped me it wouldn’t be for speeding, but for flying low. I also didn’t know it at the time that Petra had this thing about mountain roads and narrow winding roads. She didn’t like them.

The next morning I picked them up and we were on our way. Petra still hadn’t figured out the best way to get into my vehicle. As we headed south of highway 101 I pointed out the Sargent fault and when we crossed the San Andreas fault I pointed that out to them. I was driving about 75 to 80MPH so I don’t thing anyone really got to see very much

When we got to Salinas everyone asked me to find a place to stop so they could get something to eat and go to the bathroom. While they getting something to eat and using the bathroom I topped the tank off and used the bathroom myself. I then went back over the restaurant and picked the ladies up and once again we were on our way.

We got to San Miguel without making another pit stop, but about half way up Vineyard Canyon Road Petra said she had to use the bathroom. I told her the only bathroom in the area was a tree or a tall bush. She declined and said she would wait until we got to Parkfield. Knowing she had to go to the bathroom I picked up the pace a bit. The tires were starting to complain as we went around some of the turns. During the whole time this was going on Petra never said a word. Of course the whole time this was going on she had her eyes shut. As soon as we stopped Petra ran inside the hotel to use the bathroom.

As soon as everyone had done their thing we drove down to schoolhouse where Duane was just starting to give his talk about the San Andreas fault and the various instruments there. When he asked if anyone knew where the San Andreas fault was on the map he had I told him. Then someone asked how many earthquakes would it take to relive the pressure to prevent an M>6.0 quake. Duane didn’t know so I gave the answer. Petra told me later that she started thinking to herself this guy is no cowboy.

We had a great tour and made new friend and ate one of the best hamburgers anywhere. On the way home Petra managed to fall asleep so she didn’t have the ride of terror.

One day I will have to tell you about the trip to Lake Pillsbury. It was the first time Petra had ever been there and I can guarantee it will be her last. Take Care...Don in creepy town