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Central California Coast

After much debate on how to spend our few weekends before the not so little one had to go back to school we decided on visiting the central CA coastline since we never had a chance to spend quality time here.

Many a trip we planned - we saw and we drove past - LA had taken up too much of our available time you see with all its lure.

This time was different. We set out to exclusively book a property along the central coast and decided to hang the hat (no one really wears any headgear), our selves and our car for a three day weekend.

We set out early Sat along the Pacific Coast Highway and taking in the scenery and slowly disappearing fog along the coast we stopped for brunch at Rocky Point. Set atop the bluff this restaurant was open for visitors and did not have many at that hour. Just as well. Good Eggs Benedict (not sure why the saintly name but they are good - esp watching dramatic cliffs and surf and grey pelicans making their precision diving for their own nourishment) was had by all.


Then it was on to some more wildlife (in the form of molting elephant seals) and man made wonders (as in some old and older bridges across the edge of the continent) that make for some great pictures (seen here) .. till we hit our destination late afternoon.


While the fog is a constant feature in early mornings and late evenings the days are fairly mild in summer and the mood idyllic. The Pacific was churning but too cold to spend any significant time in ... much pleasure was instead derived from soaking at the hotel's hot tub.


After letting the little one go wild on the soft white sands for few hours we ended up getting some local burgers and fries that turned out to be excellent both in the bovine and pre bovine (as in veggie) realm. All were satiated and retired for a good night's rest.

Next day was more of the same with a trip down State Street in Santa Barbara further south. This town has fun atmosphere with some good old Ranchos and Missions thrown in. We had a good time walking around there and taking in the efforts of the missionaries that for their own agenda built some impressive structures.



After enjoying some decadent local ice cream and pizzas (spendy but worth it) we crashed out to get up the next morn and head home to routine.

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