Had to get away for a day...and nothing like about 120 miles from home and 30 miles from the nearest phone. Map
Friday, October 3, 2008
Los Padres National Forest
Had to get away for a day...and nothing like about 120 miles from home and 30 miles from the nearest phone. Map
Monday, August 4, 2008
Glamping
At first I thought this sounded cool, camping without having to load up
the car and plan out every meal in advance. Then I read this article.
http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-glamping19aug19,0,1779817.story?coll=la-home-center
Makes me a little sick to my stomach.
the car and plan out every meal in advance. Then I read this article.
http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-glamping19aug19,0,1779817.story?coll=la-home-center
Makes me a little sick to my stomach.
Sunday, August 3, 2008
Vacation Day 7
Back on the road, but this time we are taking the 101 instead of the 1. The temperature is 80-100F depending on how far inland we were.
We decide to head back closer to Los Angeles for our final day on the road trip.
Getting closer...
Screw it, detour to Solvang...we are going to tear up this town!
And wow, did I think the Marriott in Monterey was grandma...check out the Royal Scandinavian Inn!
Ok, fast forward to lunch the next day at the Inn of the Seventh Ray which I had found on Citysearch a couple years ago, but never got a chance to try. Since its on Topanga Canyon which is right off the PCH, what the hell.
This place is so hippie, but the parking lot is full of Porsches, Range Rovers and BMWs so I guess its atonement for all your capitalistic ways.
From the About page on the site(and on the back of the physical menu):
"We, at the Inn, believe in giving you the purest of Natureís foods, energized as a gift from the sun with a dash of esoteric food knowledge and ancient mystery school wisdom tossed in for your seasoning and pleasure. It may just raise your bodyís light vibration and the extra work may cost you a few pennies more, but we believe in the long run, this way of living and eating may prove less expensive. Your body elemental, that selfless, shy, invisible little fellow who works so hard to keep the oft mistreated human machine going, will jump with joy for your choice of this eating establishment. He prays and hopes you will return soon to make this a pleasant ritual with each return being a new celebration in honor of taking a small step on the path of good dinning and good doing."
"The food is prepared with love and is charged by our dedicated staff with the vibration of the violet flame for your personal gain, and perhaps transportation to a higher plane."
Wow man, wow!
This is the end of our road trip and when we get home we are greeted with a freaking mess. The cat decided to take revenge on the apartment by not using her litter box for what looks like the last three days. Thankfully we have concrete floors and the one room that does have carpet, we had shut the door. Other than the time to clean up the big mess, we only lost the rugs in the bathrooms, 3 pairs of shoes and 3 pairs of Colleen's flip-flops. Total damage, about $500. I am pretty sure it was due to the earthquake, since we went to Utah and left her for 7 days and she was fine. Either way, she will be at a cat hotel next time...and if she does it again, there will be one old cat up for adoption immediately.
Several hours later and on the roof for a cigar and Scotch...did I mention I love Scotch?
We decide to head back closer to Los Angeles for our final day on the road trip.
Getting closer...
Screw it, detour to Solvang...we are going to tear up this town!
And wow, did I think the Marriott in Monterey was grandma...check out the Royal Scandinavian Inn!
Ok, fast forward to lunch the next day at the Inn of the Seventh Ray which I had found on Citysearch a couple years ago, but never got a chance to try. Since its on Topanga Canyon which is right off the PCH, what the hell.
This place is so hippie, but the parking lot is full of Porsches, Range Rovers and BMWs so I guess its atonement for all your capitalistic ways.
From the About page on the site(and on the back of the physical menu):
"We, at the Inn, believe in giving you the purest of Natureís foods, energized as a gift from the sun with a dash of esoteric food knowledge and ancient mystery school wisdom tossed in for your seasoning and pleasure. It may just raise your bodyís light vibration and the extra work may cost you a few pennies more, but we believe in the long run, this way of living and eating may prove less expensive. Your body elemental, that selfless, shy, invisible little fellow who works so hard to keep the oft mistreated human machine going, will jump with joy for your choice of this eating establishment. He prays and hopes you will return soon to make this a pleasant ritual with each return being a new celebration in honor of taking a small step on the path of good dinning and good doing."
"The food is prepared with love and is charged by our dedicated staff with the vibration of the violet flame for your personal gain, and perhaps transportation to a higher plane."
Wow man, wow!
This is the end of our road trip and when we get home we are greeted with a freaking mess. The cat decided to take revenge on the apartment by not using her litter box for what looks like the last three days. Thankfully we have concrete floors and the one room that does have carpet, we had shut the door. Other than the time to clean up the big mess, we only lost the rugs in the bathrooms, 3 pairs of shoes and 3 pairs of Colleen's flip-flops. Total damage, about $500. I am pretty sure it was due to the earthquake, since we went to Utah and left her for 7 days and she was fine. Either way, she will be at a cat hotel next time...and if she does it again, there will be one old cat up for adoption immediately.
Several hours later and on the roof for a cigar and Scotch...did I mention I love Scotch?
Vacation Day 6
Checkout at 11AM, so far this was the worst place we have stayed on the trip. The place was stained and with the CFL lighting, it glowed this horrible unnatural yellow. Overall, I think if we hadn't just come from Monterey I may have enjoyed Santa Cruz more, but I didn't. I didn't have a bad time, I just didn't get the feeling I would want to come back again. So we took off and hit the 1 again heading north.
We briefly stopped at Half Moon Bay, but just long enough to take a couple of pics.
Next stop San Francisco
We beelined to Pier 39 to eat at Eagle Cafe, which had the best Bloody Marys we have ever had. We didn't end up going in since it was remodeled and looked like it had lost the charm we so fondly remembered. Next time we are in SF we will stop in and check it out.
So we walked back closer to where we parked the car and had lunch at Boudin's, which had, according to Colleen "the best mac-n-cheese that I ever had out." She had the side dish, and I had the dungeness crab version. Alcatraz view obscured by the tour boats, but still a nice view.
North across the Golden Gate
Stinson Beach was as far north as we go and since its getting late we turn around and head back to SF.
Hilton at Fisherman's Wharf was full, so we got a room at the Hilton in the Financial District which had a nice view of the bay.
There was a cigar bar 2 blocks from the hotel, which kinda sucked. We were out of there by 10PM, and in search of some munchies. After a stop back to the hotel and reaffirming Citysearch has yet to solve their problems('near this location' module, resets location to generic SF point which makes it render the 'near this location' useless), we found some place to grab something to eat. Luckily it was about 2 blocks from the cigar bar, so a short walk from the hotel.
We briefly stopped at Half Moon Bay, but just long enough to take a couple of pics.
Next stop San Francisco
We beelined to Pier 39 to eat at Eagle Cafe, which had the best Bloody Marys we have ever had. We didn't end up going in since it was remodeled and looked like it had lost the charm we so fondly remembered. Next time we are in SF we will stop in and check it out.
So we walked back closer to where we parked the car and had lunch at Boudin's, which had, according to Colleen "the best mac-n-cheese that I ever had out." She had the side dish, and I had the dungeness crab version. Alcatraz view obscured by the tour boats, but still a nice view.
North across the Golden Gate
Stinson Beach was as far north as we go and since its getting late we turn around and head back to SF.
Hilton at Fisherman's Wharf was full, so we got a room at the Hilton in the Financial District which had a nice view of the bay.
There was a cigar bar 2 blocks from the hotel, which kinda sucked. We were out of there by 10PM, and in search of some munchies. After a stop back to the hotel and reaffirming Citysearch has yet to solve their problems('near this location' module, resets location to generic SF point which makes it render the 'near this location' useless), we found some place to grab something to eat. Luckily it was about 2 blocks from the cigar bar, so a short walk from the hotel.
Vacation Day 5
Woke up and got out of bed at 10ish. Threw some clothes in the laundry at the hotel, Colleen decided to hang and finish while I got a massage, which was conveniently located across the street from the hotel.
One last look at the view of Monterey
Then we headed out north to Morrow Bay which was kinda boring, so we kept on truckin to Santa Cruz. Once we arrived, we started looking for a place to stay the night. For some reason this picture did not capture how high everyone staying here had to be ;-)
We opted for a Best Western, which was probably not any different then the rest of the lodging choices we found. There were three rules you had to abide by and sign on two different sign in forms:
1. No smoking
2. No pets
3. No parties
Once we checked in, off to the boardwalk to check out the rides.
I totally wussed out due to the lack of shade, screaming sticky kids and general lack of interest in waiting in line to do anything. Where is my cane? We actually planned to come back later once the sun set since the rides were open until 11PM.
So we kept wandering toward the pier, and made a pitstop at what turned out to be a bowling alley. The outdoor garden area made it look like an Islands, but once you went inside it was clearly bowling. So we had a couple of Stellas and used the bathroom.
We left and hit the pier, the sea lions were really barking.
We stopped at Carniglia's for dinner, which was a bit pricey for what you get. I ordered the Ahi rare and it came out well done. I normally would have sent it back, but for some reason I didn't care and just ate it.
The best part of this place was meeting and having a long conversation with Sam from Berkeley. Very interesting guy, made his fortune in the 60s and just kinda dropped out since 1968.
One last look at the view of Monterey
Then we headed out north to Morrow Bay which was kinda boring, so we kept on truckin to Santa Cruz. Once we arrived, we started looking for a place to stay the night. For some reason this picture did not capture how high everyone staying here had to be ;-)
We opted for a Best Western, which was probably not any different then the rest of the lodging choices we found. There were three rules you had to abide by and sign on two different sign in forms:
1. No smoking
2. No pets
3. No parties
Once we checked in, off to the boardwalk to check out the rides.
I totally wussed out due to the lack of shade, screaming sticky kids and general lack of interest in waiting in line to do anything. Where is my cane? We actually planned to come back later once the sun set since the rides were open until 11PM.
So we kept wandering toward the pier, and made a pitstop at what turned out to be a bowling alley. The outdoor garden area made it look like an Islands, but once you went inside it was clearly bowling. So we had a couple of Stellas and used the bathroom.
We left and hit the pier, the sea lions were really barking.
We stopped at Carniglia's for dinner, which was a bit pricey for what you get. I ordered the Ahi rare and it came out well done. I normally would have sent it back, but for some reason I didn't care and just ate it.
The best part of this place was meeting and having a long conversation with Sam from Berkeley. Very interesting guy, made his fortune in the 60s and just kinda dropped out since 1968.
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
Vacation Day 4
Tuesday at about 9AMish, we wake up to lots of noise behind one of our walls. Its the employees area where they keep the supplies to clean. We decide to stay another day in Monterey since yesterday the only thing we did was tour two pubs and the hotel pillows. I call the front desk and ask if they have a different room, which they do. This time it has a view.
No free Internet connection in the hotel, so I figure I will go to the coffee shop and kill two birds with one stone.
Blogging is interrupted by news of an earthquake in Chino Hills, so we proceed to see if things are ok and how bad it was. Turns out to be more nerve wracking than anything.
On with the vacation. Colleen wants to go to the aquarium, so we take the free trolley.
Before we go in to the aquarium, we need to refuel and choose this tourist trap. Food is mediocre, service is a little slow but it does the job.
After a long day of walking all over the aquarium and Cannery Row, we head back to the hotel. Feels good to sit down for a few minutes.
No free Internet connection in the hotel, so I figure I will go to the coffee shop and kill two birds with one stone.
Blogging is interrupted by news of an earthquake in Chino Hills, so we proceed to see if things are ok and how bad it was. Turns out to be more nerve wracking than anything.
On with the vacation. Colleen wants to go to the aquarium, so we take the free trolley.
Before we go in to the aquarium, we need to refuel and choose this tourist trap. Food is mediocre, service is a little slow but it does the job.
After a long day of walking all over the aquarium and Cannery Row, we head back to the hotel. Feels good to sit down for a few minutes.
Vacation Day 3
Monday morning, woke up at 4:30AM and watched the birds eat breakfast on the beach. 2 hours later, we decided to get a jump on the day and left Pismo. On to the 101 until it splits off again as the 1 and along the coast for many miles. We stopped by Hearst Castle, but since it was so early we would have had to wait to get a tour...and we hadn't showered so we spared the rest of the tourists. We stopped at a couple of camprounds in San Simeon, but they were kinda lame. Not enough trees and no view of the ocean.
At first I joked, and thought it impossible, but yep they closed the forest! Due to the fires, all the campgrounds between San Simeon and just south of Carmel-by-the-Sea were closed. So we drove for many miles up the coast with just a few "vista points" to stop and look at the same ocean with the same kelp beds. It was relaxing at least.
We stopped for some gas in Big Sur.
And they had a little diner, so we ate breakfast.
And then continued north, next stop Carmel-by-the-Sea. Which as it turns out creeped us out, like Stepford Wives. So we got the car washed since it was making it difficult to take pictures with the windows being so dirty.
Back on the road, getting close to Monterey according to the nav.
So its about 1PMish Monday and we found a Marriott close to the wharf in downtown Monterey. While its decorated in what I call "Encino grandma" it will do.
Later that afternoon, score some cigars for later.
And then Shepards Pie and Old Speckled Hen.
Then back to the hotel for a nap
Later that evening we check out the other British pub, which is right next to the hotel.
At first I joked, and thought it impossible, but yep they closed the forest! Due to the fires, all the campgrounds between San Simeon and just south of Carmel-by-the-Sea were closed. So we drove for many miles up the coast with just a few "vista points" to stop and look at the same ocean with the same kelp beds. It was relaxing at least.
We stopped for some gas in Big Sur.
And they had a little diner, so we ate breakfast.
And then continued north, next stop Carmel-by-the-Sea. Which as it turns out creeped us out, like Stepford Wives. So we got the car washed since it was making it difficult to take pictures with the windows being so dirty.
Back on the road, getting close to Monterey according to the nav.
So its about 1PMish Monday and we found a Marriott close to the wharf in downtown Monterey. While its decorated in what I call "Encino grandma" it will do.
Later that afternoon, score some cigars for later.
And then Shepards Pie and Old Speckled Hen.
Then back to the hotel for a nap
Later that evening we check out the other British pub, which is right next to the hotel.
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Vacation Day 2
Got up Sunday morning, showered and packed up. Headed north to the Ralphs to grab some ice and munchies for the day trip back to Pismo. Hey, if I am going to have a red neck I am going to use it. Its actually Oceano Dunes, which is about 1 mile south of Pismo. After Ralphs, south to Pismo, drove through the downtown area looking for a cigar store, but didn't look too hard. Its very touristy here so I figure there would be cigars for sale at most liquor stores.
We entered the beach after paying $5 for a day use pass, and its a perfect 69F all day. Driving on the beach is fun and feels so California.
So after driving down the beach about 3 miles through what I would describe as 'civilian maneuvers' we decided to go grab some lunch at the restaurant at the entrance. We paid the additional $5 for overnight use, and drove down the beach until we found a spot.
Yep, that is a rebel flag flying.
After two cigars and some scotch, we hopped in the car to grab some sleep before we head out for another day on our tour.
We entered the beach after paying $5 for a day use pass, and its a perfect 69F all day. Driving on the beach is fun and feels so California.
So after driving down the beach about 3 miles through what I would describe as 'civilian maneuvers' we decided to go grab some lunch at the restaurant at the entrance. We paid the additional $5 for overnight use, and drove down the beach until we found a spot.
Yep, that is a rebel flag flying.
After two cigars and some scotch, we hopped in the car to grab some sleep before we head out for another day on our tour.
Sunday, July 27, 2008
Vacation Day 1
We were on the 10 heading West to Malibu by 9AM Saturday morning. After eating breakfast at Paradise Cove we took a walk down the beach. After about 45 minutes in the sun with no sunscreen I got burned. Good, glad I got that out of the way on day one.
We headed North on PCH and checked out all the campgrounds along the way until the freeway veers East away from the coast(naval base) and towards Oxnard. Oh boy. Next stop was north of Goleta at El Capitan and then Gaviota, both full. The 1 is now the 101 until you get to the turn off for Vandenburg AFB/Lompoc and once again you are on the 'scenic tour' route.
About 4 miles after the odometer turned 10,000, I got a speeding ticket! In Santa Maria, doing 70 in a 55...and the only spot I could pull over was in an agriculture field of some sort. Needless to say, I was not amused and felt like I was targeted since I was not driving a tractor. If you zoom in on the map while in satellite view, you get the idea.
View Larger Map
Several miles later and we were in Pismo Beach, which had a very 'spring break with huge trucks and ATVs' vibe. I imagine sales of Coors Light is only threatened by Bud Light being on sale. So we continued north to Morro Bay, which was the polar opposite of Pismo. Since it was about 5:30PM and we hadn't found a campground with any vacancies yet, and Inn on Morro Bay had no vacancies, we headed back to SLO to find a room.
Looks like Madonna Inn has a vacancy! Unfortunately after checking with the front desk, they forgot to turn on the neon "Sorry No" above the Vacancy part on the sign.
So we ended up staying at a Courtyard Marriott which was very new and clean, but not very well stocked in the Scotch department. We finished off the only bottle of Glenlivet 12 they had and went back to our room which was fully stocked with Scotch, courtesy of BevMo and Sigg
We headed North on PCH and checked out all the campgrounds along the way until the freeway veers East away from the coast(naval base) and towards Oxnard. Oh boy. Next stop was north of Goleta at El Capitan and then Gaviota, both full. The 1 is now the 101 until you get to the turn off for Vandenburg AFB/Lompoc and once again you are on the 'scenic tour' route.
About 4 miles after the odometer turned 10,000, I got a speeding ticket! In Santa Maria, doing 70 in a 55...and the only spot I could pull over was in an agriculture field of some sort. Needless to say, I was not amused and felt like I was targeted since I was not driving a tractor. If you zoom in on the map while in satellite view, you get the idea.
View Larger Map
Several miles later and we were in Pismo Beach, which had a very 'spring break with huge trucks and ATVs' vibe. I imagine sales of Coors Light is only threatened by Bud Light being on sale. So we continued north to Morro Bay, which was the polar opposite of Pismo. Since it was about 5:30PM and we hadn't found a campground with any vacancies yet, and Inn on Morro Bay had no vacancies, we headed back to SLO to find a room.
Looks like Madonna Inn has a vacancy! Unfortunately after checking with the front desk, they forgot to turn on the neon "Sorry No" above the Vacancy part on the sign.
So we ended up staying at a Courtyard Marriott which was very new and clean, but not very well stocked in the Scotch department. We finished off the only bottle of Glenlivet 12 they had and went back to our room which was fully stocked with Scotch, courtesy of BevMo and Sigg
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