HMOH on the left coast

Eight days, 5 airports, 6 flights, 4 states and 8 cities later - and I've returned back to the East Coast for two days ... only to leave for the South and Alabama this evening to witness a meeting of the Penn State Nittany Lions vs. the Alabama Tide (what kind of a mascot is that anyways?).  My Northern charm has been packed, along with my classy tailgating outfit (a first) ... and I expect nothing but Southern grace for my friends and I as we begin our binge drinking and tailgating early on the Saturday morning.  Make that 7 airports, 5 states and 10 cities by Sunday.

Our Sweet Ride

And though it was the result of a cancelled wedding in the Bahamas - the trip to California was amazing!!  I didn't rock the bridesmaid dress as promised, but it didn't stop me from packing 50 lbs worth of outfits (of which I wore about 40%).  I landed in San Fran, but my luggage didn't.  After "calmly" talking with the baggage claim guy, Chris - who now has my cell number and was hoping for an invite out that evening - my stuff was confirmed on the next flight in.  We circled the airport for an hour in our sweet blue Ford Mustang convertible, and grabbed (more like heavy-lifted) my baggage. Chris asked me if I was coming back, I explained "yes, because I need to fly home" and we were on our way.  


Our first night in town we checked out Bourbon and Branch - a supposedly hot spot speakeasy that requires a reservation and 'password'.  The doofus who answered the door looked like the gatekeeper in the Wizard of Oz and let us in to an unpacked, highly unexcitable bar.  After being hit on by the doorman, Nick was served tough whiskey in a teeny cocktail glass and we were quickly over it. 


The coast was scenic and just beautiful.  We leisurely made our way down from San Francisco to Half Moon Bay, the boardwalk in Santa Cruz and Monterey.  In Monterey we went whale watching - awesome for the first two blue whales and that was enough.  My lips were blue by the end of the trip and you could find me hugging the metal pole near the Captain's hut to keep warm.   We then headed past strawberry fields, artichoke farms and wildlife on our way down to San Simeon.  As always, I was attacked by numerous birds and prayed I'd see a whale or sea otter eat one.  I also had a stare down with a weird looking squirrel that was questionably foaming at the mouth. With the top down - then back up because I was cold - then back down again, it'd be safe to say I had little to no good hair days.  


If we wanted to crash weddings there were plenty to be had between Monterey and the 17 mile drive in Carmel by the Sea.  Guest chairs (in white) were positioned in front of hanging trees and on the waterfront. It was here I passed the most heinous wedding dress I've ever seen in my life.  Hot magenta with more toule than an 80s ballroom Barbie had to offer.  In fact, if I had suggested putting this on one my Barbie dolls as a child she likely would have come to life and ripped it off.  


Day 4 we toured Hearst Castle, an awesome reminder that I will never be that rich .. and an equally great reminder that I see people from my High School seriously everywhere I go.  If it wasn't at a phone booth in Amsterdam or climbing an olive grove path in Cinqueterra, Italy ... then it was getting off the bus with me on my tour of William Randolph Hearst's extravagant home in California.


We then made our way back up to San Francisco and stopped along the road to witness "molting" season for the native elephant seals.  Frommers referred to them as "decidedly ugly mammals" - but clearly Frommers has not seen some of the mammals that roam the streets of New York City.  That's decided. We had a great dinner with friends back in the Bay Area and woke up the next morning to bike the Golden Gate Bridge over to Sausalito.  In addition to the people watching, great company and scenic views ... strolling in Sausalito was my favorite part.  I also found myself strangely in the mood for a Pepperidge Farm cookie.


If you plan to head out to the Pacific Coast Highway - I can recommend the following:

• Slanted Door restaurant (Asian fushion, San Fran) - make reservations ahead of time
• Paint Ladies (San Fran) - the Tanners and Uncle Jesse can be found picnicking atop the hill
• Sam's Chowder House (Half Moon Bay) - eat the lobster roll, voted "Top 5 Sandwiches by the Today Show"; sure it was back in 2007 ... whatever.
• Monterey Whale Watching Tours - pack layers and jackets, and if not ... be prepared to buy a sweet windbreaker embroidered with sea otters.
• Hearst Castle Tours (tour 1) - The second most visited place in all of California next to Disneyland - the tour is short, sweet and to the point; reservations recommended for summer busy season.  Also, putting "Citizen Kane" on my movie queue.

So with that ... I'm back on the road to 'Bama and then am looking forward to sticking around NYC, exploring my new neighborhood ... and kicking off the Fall.


Thanks for being patient while I took a vacation as the HMOH.  A big congrats to Amy and Drew on their Pacific Coast wedding this past weekend!  Oh, and one more thing .. LET'S GO STATE!

Painted Ladies - San Francisco

Half Moon Bay

Pacific Coast Highway - Big Sur

-HMOH