"Funny... and many of you know this... given a bit of slack, I'll wander all over the place when telling a story." After sharing essays and interviews in Time Just Drifts Away, Bob is back. This time, his unique observation skills and storytelling abilities are on the road, as the Backpack travels in a three volume set to Florida, California and Las Vegas. These days, thanks to the inter-web-thingy, there is plenty of guidance out there if you want it. And yet there are plenty of reasons to be skeptical of it as well... because the material available is infinite and much more easily accessed than ever before. Laugh if you wish... the main approach you should take to any of that information is pretty much the same approach as Bob -- always consider the source. There are restaurants some of you love that those taking these trips didn't know existed back then... still don't even know exist today... and might not care for even if they could find them. Apply that idea to rides, hotels, shopping and every other part of a vacation and travel. With the Strange and Unexpected series, Bob hits the road with some of his favorite people and travel companions -- especially his wife, Terry. You are invited to join their group... become a part of their travelling gang... share their adventures and experiences... and, hopefully, recognize the different people as they appear in each travel journal and on different trips. Here in Volume Two the destination is California, where Bob and Terry join up with family and friends on adventures from South to North... Joshua Tree to Yosemite... San Diego Zoo to Disneyland... Muir Woods to the Golden Gate Bridge. Essays and diaries allow the reader to take part in each trip, while "Best of..." segments and special offerings feature the must-do attractions and other recommendations. Bob has also collected feedback from a total of eighteen different people that focus on their tips, favorite experiences and locations, and thoughts gained from travels that literally have gone around-the-world. Jay Gillen has provided artwork and design features for In My Backpack, and Bob is proud to include some of his work on the cover of this edition. The Strange and Unexpected trilogy contains some material previously published on his noted web site, In My Backpack. (www.inmybackpack.com)