Eating on the Dock of the Bay

We drove out of the deep woods and continued south on the beautiful Pacific Coast Highway. Our next destination: The City by the Bay. As we slowly traversed our way along the windy 1 we gasped at the daunting cliffs that fell into the depths of the magnificent ocean. At each turn we were met by the deep blue gaze of the Pacific. It's easy to see why this stretch of pavement welcomes over 6 million visitors a year. It's one of the most scenic highways in the world and should be on your top 10 things to do before you die.

City By the Bay

Indian, Mediterranean, Thai, Asian Tapas, Chez Panisse.... a foodies mecca realized (next to NYC, of course!). We stayed with a cool cat that nearly killed Matt (allergies). We ate our way through Bezerkeley, Oaktown and SF only stopping to sit with some old friends. On the menu Friday, between Haight and Lombard, we grubbed on some Urban Dharma. We got lost in City Lights thumbing through Jack and Ginsberg feeling their beat. So with a full stomach and a full tank we set off again, but our love for The Bay lingers on... Thanks Oliver and Lupe for your amazing hospitality!

Home of the Beats...

Four hours to Big Sur?! Lupe, brutha puhleazeeeeee!! Two hours later... we were unpacking our bags at the Pigeon Point Lighthouse, another $20 a night hostel right on the 1. After finding out that Big Sur was actually another 2 hours south... we relaxed in their hot tub tucked away on a cliff with panoramic views of the ocean. Ahhhh...

The next day we set off to tackle Big Sur. 80 foot waterfalls feeding into the ocean, waves crashing on edgy rocks protruding from the Pacific floor, supersized Bonzai trees and purple sand storms blinding us with beauty, only begin to describe the splendor that is Big Sur. We were so mesmerized that we decided we had to stay another night by the sea. With a tin foil emergency blanket, courtesy of Uncle Steve, and half a Cliff Bar we decided we were aptly equipped to camp out. 10 hours and 38 degrees later we realized we've been punk'd. Due to the bitter cold night under the stars, we departed early with the heat on full blast... As we began to thaw we encountered others as happy to see the sun as we were. Hundreds of sea lions were canoodling around the beach looking like the cutest giant slugs we've ever seen. Barking like boisterous New Yorkers they crowded the beach like the G train at rush hour. We felt like kids at Sea World, but were grateful that it was the real thing.

A colony of Sea Lions

Having taken the time to experience the beauty of a place that we call home was worth every mile. We made our way to the bosom of our family, looking forward to home cooked meals and quality time before we depart the States.

Enjoying the sunset... See you in Nepal!

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