There is great value in traveling a few miles on your own feet, taking in the subtle, oft overlooked details not seen from a car. But too much of this and you lose sight of the bigger picture. Sometimes you have to traverse vast distances to remember just how many different landscapes, ecosystems, cultures, and experiences make up this world. 

And with Thomas moving back to the Midwest there was no better time for us to take a road trip across the U.S. And what better place to start the trip than in California, the nation's most culturally and biologically diverse state. In the first of three special episodes we're taking you across California to the coasts, mountains, and deserts. Sit back and get ready to join us on the beginning of our adventure.