Another blog post from Mr. Deals…
Here’s my first thought, why don’t I live in California? I still can’t come up with a good answer to that question. Maybe it’s the lack of seasons (yeah having relatively nice weather year round really sucks) or maybe it’s just that the lifestyle it too laid back (also terrible). I’ve got it, Avacados are too expensive at 7 for $1 (they are $2 per in NYC). I’ll figure it out one of these days but for now, here are my quick thoughts from our short drive down the PCH so far.
We started out in San Francisco, and for those that have been you know what a wonderful city it is. The fog is interesting (we did manage to get one day of 80+ degrees), but it definitely adds to the uniqueness of the city. The town homes along the hills are incredible and give the city a ton of character. Mrs. Deals especially loves the house where they filmed Full House (a favorite of hers). We did the typical touristy stuff including biking the golden gate bridge and walking Lombard Street, you know the stuff you’ve got to do. I’m a big fan of SF. If they could only figure out how to have a real summer I might be sold on living there.
After SF it was on to the PCH, making sure to not veer too close to cliffs while trying to check out what the surf looks like (I think Mrs. Deals was ready to pull the wheel over a few times). Santa Cruz was the next stop and I could’ve stopped there forever based on the surf lifestyle that town thrives on. There was a contest happening at Steamer Lane (if you know what that is, we talk the same language) so I couldn’t be happier and Mrs. Deals loved boardwalk and pier (I think she was fascinated by the sea lions & seals under the pier). Santa Cruz, I’ll be back.
Now, Monterey and Carmel, wow. Talk about beautiful. If you live out here, I am clapping my hands for you. This is just some damn impressive coastline. I wish I was a golfer because Pebble Beach seems like the Mecca of golf. But I’m not so I just get to appreciate the views (and they are impressive). I will say, we have a litte more exploring to do, but this place is like an oasis. I’m sure Mrs. Deals will be talking this one up in a trip report soon.
Next weekend I’ll post my thoughts on the rest of the drive, but so far it’s been fantastic. I should tell you that if you are thinking about driving this way anytime in the future, north to south is the way to go. It makes pulling off at the viewpoints a lot less dangerous (thought it may be a little nerveracking for some being on the outside lane).
More to come. Happy Labor Day Weekend everyone!
P.S. for those who are wondering what the PCH is, it’s the Pacific Coast Highway or also known as Highway 1.
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Done it many times. Love it. If you can veer off a bit and drive into Paso Robles to do a bit of wine tasting you won’t be disappointed.
Welcome to beauty of PCH :)Did you happen to visit Morro Bay & Morro Rock in the south and if you get a chance visit Point Reyes in the north.. Ya, you would never have enough..
Highway 1 is also known as the Cabrillo Highway around these parts of Monterey Bay.
In my drives up and down the coast the most northerly spot I have seen a California state highway sign using “PCH” is Pismo Beach.
Thanks for the applause. This has been the foggiest summer in a decade to my memory living in Monterey. Today is a gorgeously sunny Labor Day weekend Sunday. Still only about 65 degrees though.
What contest were they running? Big Stick Logjam?
Well it is gorgeous scenery, but the state is broke and it will only get worse.
California is beautiful, it almost feels like two entirely different states between NorCal and SoCal. Pebble Beach and Monterrey Bay are beautiful year round and especially for Thanksgiving. Also, its not “the PCH” its just PCH. Enjoy the lack of seasons, it hasn’t bothered me in 22+ years 🙂
I have been “stopped” at California for 22 years. I would not mind for another 22 years 🙂 Welcome to this beautiful state especially NorCal!
“Summer” around here (SF) is commonly September/October. Guess you’ll need to come back!
Just did the same trip in July – great way to see the beauty of California. Glad someone else noticed the 7/$1 avocados. Being from NJ, I almost made my husband swerve off the highway at 80 mph when I saw that! 😉
The PCH is on my list to do with my wife. I too love Cali, but the easy answer is housing costs. Our house (and we dont have a big one) in SF would cost like 2,000,000+. It is sadly what kept us from moving to the Bay area.
Glad you enjoyed your visit to the west coast. Thought I’d just send you a be cool like the locals tip: We just say “PCH” not “the” PCH.
Keep eating those avos (we are avocado growers!)
Yes !