Day 26--EVENING OUT

September 30, 2000 
Willits, CA

Got up early this morning and took a hike up into the mountains with Jess, Sarah, and Sarah's friend, Akiyo Tang. Then we ran Jess down to the Mariposa Mkt. where her friend Eric was waiting. We took a pic of the two of them—Eric had broken both wrists (two weeks apart) skate boarding, and Jess had her bandaged arm, so they looked like the Demolition Derby Duo.

After Eric and Jess left, Sarah and I had breakfast and then we drove south to Ukiah to get a roll of film processed and to look in next-to-new stores for something other than lycra for me to wear to the community theater tonight and to wear to Jess' restaurant, Manka's, Monday evening. We were somewhat successful, tho it's still going to be rubber sandals and sports underwear for these occasions. I keep telling myself that both places would be dimly lit.

This evening Sarah and I and Akiyo went to the 1998 Pulitzer Prize winning How I Learned to Drive at the tiny Willits Community Theater. The play was excellent and excellently acted. I could see why it won a Pulitzer Prize. Akiyo's husband, John, was the producer.

After the play, coffee and a sweet and then to bed. It was after 11 p.m.—the latest I've been to bed in a month. In fact at 9 or so, my head was nodding.

Sarah must work tomorrow, and Jess will be back to pick up me and the gear in the morning. Must repack my panniers and get organized.

Miles: 0

Route: Willits to Ukiah, CA, about 50 miles round trip in car

Weather: 80s in the mountains and 90s in the valley; sunny and breezy