@FreeDuck,
Just returned from my trip this eve, and happened to see your thread. Glad to hear all is going well, and many have shown their hospitality.
Next time you're in Northern California, plan to stay a few more days, and I promise to show you some of what Northern California has to offer (outside of San Francisco).
We also have a few a2k members living in the area, so we can at least do a a2k Meet.