Starrs' California coast trip report
Apr 5th, 2008, 04:04 AM
#62
Apr 5th, 2008, 04:06 AM
#63
Previous pics -
The SF GTG - http://www.worldisround.com/articles/343883/index.html
And, the accidental meet-up with Mr and Mrs DebitNM at Point Lobos -
http://www.worldisround.com/articles/343916/index.html
The SF GTG - http://www.worldisround.com/articles/343883/index.html
And, the accidental meet-up with Mr and Mrs DebitNM at Point Lobos -
http://www.worldisround.com/articles/343916/index.html
Apr 6th, 2008, 01:02 PM
#65
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What a GREAT report, starrs! I've enjoyed every bit of it, and it brings back such great memories of fabulous places. Such great details. And oh how i love the central ca coast.
So cool you saw mr and mrs debit at pt lobos - such a stunning, special place made even more memorable!
And the dog, cat and rat - and being the critter sitter, too funny! We saw them last july ('07)in Santa Fe. Absolutely fascinating! Didn't realize he took his show on the road but what a crowd he had gathered every time we walked thru the square.
I hope there's even more of your report, starrs!? Thanks for sharing!
So cool you saw mr and mrs debit at pt lobos - such a stunning, special place made even more memorable!
And the dog, cat and rat - and being the critter sitter, too funny! We saw them last july ('07)in Santa Fe. Absolutely fascinating! Didn't realize he took his show on the road but what a crowd he had gathered every time we walked thru the square.
I hope there's even more of your report, starrs!? Thanks for sharing!
Apr 6th, 2008, 02:19 PM
#66
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The Winery that has the porch you want...we were there!!!!!!! Can't remember the name of it. I didn't buy there but my brother did. They actually had a pretty good red on sale..it was starting to "go down the other side" and would have been great for cooking with, but I was running our of room in my carry box.
Apr 6th, 2008, 02:24 PM
#68
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I knew he looked familiar..I had skipped the close up of the picture before the porch..just looked at it and remembered the name after I saw it. Heavens, we could have been tasting side by side and never knew it...well, I'd know your Crocs anywhere??? LOL
Great reading and great pics.
Great reading and great pics.
Apr 6th, 2008, 02:29 PM
#69
Were you there that Sunday afternoon? That would have been bizarre. Dang! We need those Fodors pins 
Alas, I was not wearing my Crocs. I know, I know. Head hanging in shame. I was in demure black Merrills.
I'll send you a pic of the four of us if you think we were there at the same time.
We loved the place. The wines. Wandering down to the river behind. GREAT photo opp!
I bemoaned leaving the port behind, but then Didier bought me some at JanKris outside of Paso Robles and I was all better
Alas, I was not wearing my Crocs. I know, I know. Head hanging in shame. I was in demure black Merrills.
I'll send you a pic of the four of us if you think we were there at the same time.
We loved the place. The wines. Wandering down to the river behind. GREAT photo opp!
I bemoaned leaving the port behind, but then Didier bought me some at JanKris outside of Paso Robles and I was all better
Apr 6th, 2008, 02:31 PM
#70
www.wineroad.com/wineries/282
Phil Hurst
Phil Hurst
Apr 6th, 2008, 02:39 PM
#71
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Well darn...we were there on Sat, while you were Get togethering. That would have been a kick though wouldn't it? We headed the other direction on Sunday..wanted to hit some new places...we spend too much time at the old favorites..except Wilson is ALWAYS a must..not only the wine but the tri-tip a fabulous cream of mushroom soup!!!!
On Sunday we hit Hop Kiln..I remember that because I bought wine there...and some others.
I have a fabulous Chocolate Port I got at Rosemblum in Healdsburg last year. I haven't opened it yet..it's in my wine frige...I'll save it for your next trip west..should be really good by then ya think?
On Sunday we hit Hop Kiln..I remember that because I bought wine there...and some others.
I have a fabulous Chocolate Port I got at Rosemblum in Healdsburg last year. I haven't opened it yet..it's in my wine frige...I'll save it for your next trip west..should be really good by then ya think?
Apr 6th, 2008, 02:42 PM
#72
I'm hoping to go to Seattle and the San Juans in July. Ya wanna bring it up there for an afternoon cocktail hour? Or, does it need to rest for a while and wait til I get back to CA?
Apr 6th, 2008, 04:50 PM
#74
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I'm sure it can rest for a couple of years or you could fly into Reno, we can crack the port and send you on the Seattle via Alaska Airlines with a smile on your face and you could have a lovely nap on the way...the result of all that great port. 
Apr 6th, 2008, 06:18 PM
#75
Thanks, Shanghainese. I USED to be a Serious Hobby Photographer. That was a couple of decades ago (we used to use the lab's stud fees to buy new lenses, etc. A win-win for all ) Now, I give credit to a great new point and shoot digital camera. It has a lot of capabilities, IF I decide to relearn everything that I've forgotten. I used to develop my own B&Ws too. Won a photography contest hosted by a local nature reserve. Hmmmm... maybe it's time to get serious again....
Nah, maybe not!
) Now, I give credit to a great new point and shoot digital camera. It has a lot of capabilities, IF I decide to relearn everything that I've forgotten. I used to develop my own B&Ws too. Won a photography contest hosted by a local nature reserve. Hmmmm... maybe it's time to get serious again....Nah, maybe not!
Apr 7th, 2008, 09:46 AM
#76
Here are the pics -
GTG -
http://www.worldisround.com/articles/343883/index.html
To Carmel -
http://www.worldisround.com/articles/344814/index.html
Carmel to Hollywood -
http://www.worldisround.com/articles/344838/
GTG -
http://www.worldisround.com/articles/343883/index.html
To Carmel -
http://www.worldisround.com/articles/344814/index.html
Carmel to Hollywood -
http://www.worldisround.com/articles/344838/
Apr 7th, 2008, 04:56 PM
#77
Back to the report.
Onward southward toward LA.
Note: I HATE traffic.
Additional note: I have traveled LA for business and I have experienced the madness before.
Conclusion: I am an idiot to have timed my arrival during late afternoon. I take a deep breath, make a plan to keep to the Pacific Coast Highway - no matter what - and get to my OF's house WHENEVER.
OF = Old friend. Friends since 1981. She moved to the Left Coast a few years ago and I haven't visited yet.
Happy through Malibu. Kept a sharp eye out for Jen (as in Jennifer Aniston). I am quite sure that if I stopped and found my way to the beach I would stumble upon her and Norman on a stroll and of COURSE she would invite me up for a cocktail or glass of wine until the traffic cleared.
But, I didn't detour
On the way, happy in the sunshine streaming in the sunroof, and moving at a good rate of speed, I wondered to myself what would make an ABSOLUTELY WONDERFUL trip even more wonderful.
Of course, there was only one answer (for me).
WICKED. My addiction. It had been the soundtrack to the entire trip and the headgear of choice. A few phone calls. A few plans made. Tix bought. Wicked it is! Oh, what joy!
At Santa Monica, I decide it may be time to venture over to the 405. WRONG. I mean, REALLY wrong. I get on...and immediately get off. Well, of course not IMMEDIATELY, but as soon as possible. I. Hate. Traffic.
Cruising toward Venice Beach I think, hmmmm, maybe I should check out VB. Fortunately, my senses returned. I did the BK drive-through thing and continued on my way.
And continued. And, continued. And, continued. Very, very slowly. Painfully slowly. But, still faster than the 405, I am quite sure.
Every hour, on the hour, I would call and cheerfully announce that I'm sure I'll be there in an hour or so. Only, to call when the hands reached 12 again. Not even music to cheer me up. I wallowed in the misery of LA traffic on the PCH in the dark when I couldn't see anything anymore.
I needed to stop for a restroom break, but just didn't want to. Finally, it wasn't a choice anymore. Ahead, what did I see? A FedEx Kinkos.
Travel Tip something: I like to stop at FedEx Kinkos on the road. I can check email. I can use their restroom. I can google to get a map to see what my options are. I did all three.
The freeway is only a few miles up 17th Street. I admit defeat and head that way. 18 miles later, traveling at a great rate of speed, I arrive at my destination.
I walk in the door to stand and watch CNN coverage of the tornado that just hit downtown Atlanta. Talk about surreal.
Onward southward toward LA.
Note: I HATE traffic.
Additional note: I have traveled LA for business and I have experienced the madness before.
Conclusion: I am an idiot to have timed my arrival during late afternoon. I take a deep breath, make a plan to keep to the Pacific Coast Highway - no matter what - and get to my OF's house WHENEVER.
OF = Old friend. Friends since 1981. She moved to the Left Coast a few years ago and I haven't visited yet.
Happy through Malibu. Kept a sharp eye out for Jen (as in Jennifer Aniston). I am quite sure that if I stopped and found my way to the beach I would stumble upon her and Norman on a stroll and of COURSE she would invite me up for a cocktail or glass of wine until the traffic cleared.
But, I didn't detour
On the way, happy in the sunshine streaming in the sunroof, and moving at a good rate of speed, I wondered to myself what would make an ABSOLUTELY WONDERFUL trip even more wonderful.
Of course, there was only one answer (for me).
WICKED. My addiction. It had been the soundtrack to the entire trip and the headgear of choice. A few phone calls. A few plans made. Tix bought. Wicked it is! Oh, what joy!
At Santa Monica, I decide it may be time to venture over to the 405. WRONG. I mean, REALLY wrong. I get on...and immediately get off. Well, of course not IMMEDIATELY, but as soon as possible. I. Hate. Traffic.
Cruising toward Venice Beach I think, hmmmm, maybe I should check out VB. Fortunately, my senses returned. I did the BK drive-through thing and continued on my way.
And continued. And, continued. And, continued. Very, very slowly. Painfully slowly. But, still faster than the 405, I am quite sure.
Every hour, on the hour, I would call and cheerfully announce that I'm sure I'll be there in an hour or so. Only, to call when the hands reached 12 again. Not even music to cheer me up. I wallowed in the misery of LA traffic on the PCH in the dark when I couldn't see anything anymore.
I needed to stop for a restroom break, but just didn't want to. Finally, it wasn't a choice anymore. Ahead, what did I see? A FedEx Kinkos.
Travel Tip something: I like to stop at FedEx Kinkos on the road. I can check email. I can use their restroom. I can google to get a map to see what my options are. I did all three.
The freeway is only a few miles up 17th Street. I admit defeat and head that way. 18 miles later, traveling at a great rate of speed, I arrive at my destination.
I walk in the door to stand and watch CNN coverage of the tornado that just hit downtown Atlanta. Talk about surreal.
Apr 7th, 2008, 05:28 PM
#78
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Starrs, love your whole trip report and your description of LA Area traffic is right on - whenever I am in traffic I wonder why I love living here and then remember - it's the weather!! Thanks for sharing your trip.
Apr 7th, 2008, 06:45 PM
#79
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The joy of drving in LA...I just can't actually. I had a friend from Reno that moved down to Santa Monica so her husband could go to school there. I went to visit her about eight months or so after she had moved and as we were driving around I asked her how the heck she did it. She was the cutest little thing, very very tiny and she was driving like a holy terror...just like the rest of them. She said the first month she was down there, every time she drove somewhere she just cried all the way...LOL. Eight months later, that little girl was a DEMON!!!!!!!
Apr 8th, 2008, 06:24 AM
#80
Thanks, Cali,
LOL, crefloors. I've found myself racing a cab at a light in Manhattan only a block after picking up the rental car. Sometimes the "When in Rome" approach is NOT a good thing!
So, we stood there and watched. Literally stood. Could not believe what we are seeing. Too late to call back home so we are texting folks we think may be awake. The young'uns are - and tell us that so far, everyone we know is okay. My DF (whom kybourbon and Cimbrone met at the last Atlanta GTG) is supposed to be there for the conference that is being held. Is he there - or at home in Buckhead? His Emory buddies have stayed in touch since school and many of them are there. It will be morning until we can confirm that everyone is okay. It is amazing how limited the human damage was. A friend visited my dad last week in the hospital and was wearing a CNN ID tag. He's a consultant working there (post-retirement) and he said they had filled 64 trailer loads of ceiling fragments from the CNN Center itself. Just amazing. DF went down the next morning, just in case the classes weren't cancelled and he said it was a ghost town. Very, very quiet in the midst of the usually busiest part of Atlanta.
It was hard to wind down after the last 12 hours. LA traffic. Tornado hitting downtown Atlanta (home). I retired to friend's office to wind down on the computer a bit and leave messages for family and friends.
LOL, crefloors. I've found myself racing a cab at a light in Manhattan only a block after picking up the rental car. Sometimes the "When in Rome" approach is NOT a good thing!
So, we stood there and watched. Literally stood. Could not believe what we are seeing. Too late to call back home so we are texting folks we think may be awake. The young'uns are - and tell us that so far, everyone we know is okay. My DF (whom kybourbon and Cimbrone met at the last Atlanta GTG) is supposed to be there for the conference that is being held. Is he there - or at home in Buckhead? His Emory buddies have stayed in touch since school and many of them are there. It will be morning until we can confirm that everyone is okay. It is amazing how limited the human damage was. A friend visited my dad last week in the hospital and was wearing a CNN ID tag. He's a consultant working there (post-retirement) and he said they had filled 64 trailer loads of ceiling fragments from the CNN Center itself. Just amazing. DF went down the next morning, just in case the classes weren't cancelled and he said it was a ghost town. Very, very quiet in the midst of the usually busiest part of Atlanta.
It was hard to wind down after the last 12 hours. LA traffic. Tornado hitting downtown Atlanta (home). I retired to friend's office to wind down on the computer a bit and leave messages for family and friends.
