California and Hawaii – Day Nine
A Pebble Beach Detour: Driving on the Swanky Side of Life
Ahoy, wanderlusters! We’ve survived a week in the golden state, and let me tell you, California knows how to keep things interesting. From the eclectic cityscape of San Francisco to the majestic mountain vibes around Yosemite, we’ve been on a rollercoaster of landscapes. And don’t even get me started on the curvaceous, sun-kissed coastal roads.
Cruisin’ Down Highway One: The Road Less Straight
Today, we embarked on a 152-mile joyride from Monterey to Pismo Beach. The plan? 3.5 hours of coastal bliss. The reality? A detour through Pebble Beach Golf Club, costing us an extra hour and $11. But hey, who could resist the allure of Pebble Beach? Certainly not us. The Lone Cypress, a sprightly 250+ year-old tree, even posed for a snapshot in our travel album.
Hairpin Turns and American Drivers: A Thrilling Combo
Back on Highway One, we encountered the twists and turns that only California’s coastline can offer. The undulating road had me gripping the wheel, all while navigating the wild, wild west of American drivers. Big, fast cars, but common sense? Not always in their repertoire.
Pismo Pleasures: Airbnb, Arroyo Grande, and a Beach Stroll
We rolled into Pismo, greeted by Marianne, the guardian angel of our Airbnb. She spilled the beans on our garden room, and it felt like home—California-style.
Off the beaten track, we stumbled upon the quaint village of Arroyo Grande, where Branch Street Deli served up wraps and beer, a match made in deli heaven.
A quick detour to Pismo Beach (because, why not?) and then back to our Airbnb. Michele found sanctuary inside, escaping the heat of Yosemite, while I basked in the glorious 21°C outdoors, accompanied by a beer and the furry sidekicks—the owner’s cat and dog.
Tomorrow? We’re pointing our compasses south, making a pit stop in Ventura to caffeinate with my boss, Francois. Because nothing says road trip like a coffee break with the boss, right?