A few observations from our California trip...
*- When the natives can't seem to answer a simple question about the weather, it's not because they are recalcitrant, it's because California weather is remarkably variable. You may start the morning wearing a long sleeve t-shirt under a hoodie and a leather jacket, then find yourself shedding it all for a short-sleeve t-shirt and flip flops by early afternoon. Whatever you wear, chances are you'll need to make adjustments throughout the day, so plan for it.
*- Everyone should drive up California's Route 1 at least once in their life. If you are a passenger, look out the window and enjoy the ride. Don't try to tell the driver what to do-- he or she can see that the road is flanked on one side by a mountain, and on the other by a precipice. Chances are, he/she doesn't want to fall off the edge any more than you do, so just enjoy the view. I've been driver, and I've been passenger on this beautiful road, and both are fun as long as there are no 'helpers.'
*- Big Sur is one of the most beautiful places in the country. We spent a few days there-- horseback riding in Andrew Molera State Park; hiking in Big Sur State Park; and walking, climbing, and tidepooling on the lovely beaches. It was mostly chilly-- I ended up layering t-shirts with my cashmere sweaters and a hoodie. Only at the top of the Valley View hike did I feel really warm!
*- The best place to watch the sunset is from the outdoor dining area at Nepenthe in Big Sur. The cliff-side location defines 'romantic,' and when the sun slowly sets, lamps are lit around the perimeter of the patio, and heaters provide welcome warmth as the suset's afterglow slowly fades.
*- San Francisco has a remarkably large number of non-productive citizens clogging the downtown streets. It's not entirely pleasant to walk anywhere when you know you'll be acosted by a number of unnerving strangers before you reach your destination. It's not that I'm not a city person-- I grew up east L.A.; I've been to New York, Paris, London, Florence, and other large cities and never felt quite as bothered as I did in San Francisco. It doesn't seem that these people can be good for the tourism industry. I normally love to walk in cities, but I did not enjoy the experience in SF, and was quite happy to leave.
*- Santa Barbara remains a favorite town. We honeymooned there about 25 years ago, and it was so nice to revisit. The weather was spectacular, and we enjoyed a great dinner on State Street. Neither of us could remember the name of the hotel where we stayed back then-- it had blue roofed cottages, and was just off Route 1. Does anyone know if it's still there?
I'll probably record a few more impressions, along with a few photos when we get home. It's been a lovely trip!
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