July 17 Coastline CA Cruising

• I spent the weekend with some NY friends (now Seattle transplants) roadtripping from San Francisco, down to Santa Cruz (surf was too low to embark on our surf lessons), Monterrey, Carmel, Big Sur, San Simeon, and Cambria. Living the vida loca in Carmel meant a plushy 'suite' in central downtown followed by a great bistro meal in comfy Carmel. A morning beach walk was followed by a cruise down the coast in and out of fog patches to Big Sur and Julia Pfeiffer State Park. We hiked a very uphill slope for about 3 miles to catch a glimspe of the ocean that was easily car accessible. The waterfall was also gorgeous even though I had seen it a few years earlier on a similar roadtrip. We spent our 2nd eve camping in San Simeon, which averaged out our budget per night to a much more reasonable number given our stay in Carmel (aka 'the shire' as I like to call it). Before we headed back, we drove through Paso Robles to check out 2 wineries in the area. Somehow, I ended up with more wine than tents and luggage. Firestone winery was very delicious, and we even got a bonus of meeting 'the bachelor' who was featured on the series a few seasons ago. Personally, I thought Twiggy the bull dog stole the show at Firestone, and her favorite recommendation for the Rosé really was a good one. All in all, it was a great trip, and pics are coming soon.