Sorry to hear your trip to CA didn't work out too_sleepy, I remember reading your thread before you left and was interested in hearing how you got on.
I'd be interested in joining you for a few cross-countries. I'm hoping to finish up my PPL in the next month or so and then start the ATPL's. I'm looking at my hour-building as a treat for when I'm finished the exams - I'll need the motivation!
In the meantime though, any time in a cockpit is time well spent - logged or not - and I intend to do some occasional flying to keep the skills up while studying.
I've dropped you a PM anyway.