A midwestern skeptic embarks on a witty, compelling journey from the frozen plains of Minnesota to California in search of answers to life's most vexing questions. 25,000 first printing. On a bitterly cold November day while living in a small community in the northern Minnesota woods, Nerburn made a sudden, life-changing decision to return to the fondly remembered California coast of his youth. In what became a search for a sense of home, he left behind his supportive wife and young son and began his solo pilgrimage by air, flying out to Seattle, WA. Bringing the reader along on his trek, Nerburn shares his experiences, encounters, and thoughts as he drives along the coastal roads of Washington, Oregon, and California. As evidenced by this contemplative travel chronicle, Nerburn learned much about himself in his encounters with some of the extraordinary people and places in this country. A sculptor, widely published art critic, and author of several nonfiction books (e.g., Simple Truths: Clear and Gentle Guidance on the Big Issues of Life), Nerburn here reveals himself to be a fine writer as well. Armchair travelers will revel in this book. Highly recommended for all libraries. Cynde Bloom Lahey, New Canaan Lib., CT Copyright 2001 Reed Business Information, Inc. "...Nerburn's strong sense of place ... and wry sense of self keep this road trip going." -- - San Francisco Chronicle "...a remarkably profound insight into how the land each of us claims affects every aspect of our lives." -- - Minneapolis Star Tribune Kent Nerburn received his Ph.D. in religion and art from Graduate Theological Union in conjunction with the University of California at Berkeley. Formerly a sculptor of religious art, he now devotes himself to crafting books. He is the author of Simple Truths, Letters to My Son, and Small Graces, as well as several books on Native American wisdom.