Embarking on our trip to Lake Tahoe to meet the Chagrin Valley Ski Club, we knew we couldn’t pass up the opportunity to take a scenic drive up the California coast. Our first stop was none other than the stunning seaside city of Santa Barbara, where we planned to catch up with an old high school friend, Rick Hannay.
Rick welcomed us with open arms, and we spent the evening reminiscing about old times over dinner at a cozy little restaurant in town. Afterward, we decided to head over to the Rosewood Miramar Hotel for some after-dinner drinks.
As we walked into the hotel lobby, we were immediately struck by the hotel’s luxurious ambiance. The interior was tastefully decorated with elegant furnishings, and the soft lighting created a warm and inviting atmosphere. We settled in at the bar, for a leisurely drink and more reminiscing.
As we continued our journey up the coast towards Big Sur, the stunning weather remained in full force, illuminating the stunning scenery around us. However, due to road closures, we were forced to take a detour inland for part of the trip. But once we arrived at the famous Bixby Bridge, any disappointment we may have felt was completely washed away.
The Bixby Bridge is a towering feat of engineering, with a history that stretches back almost a century. We stood in awe of the magnificent structure as we gazed out at the sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean. The vivid blue water sparkled in the sunlight, and we couldn’t help but feel grateful to be experiencing such natural beauty.
Our next stop was the renowned Nepenthe Restaurant, perched atop the cliffs overlooking the ocean. The restaurant has a storied past, having played host to famous artists, musicians, and writers over the years. We savored every bite of our delicious lunch, surrounded by stunning views of the coastline. Click on thumbnail to view image
Big Sur
After our meal, we continued north towards San Francisco, crossing the iconic Golden Gate Bridge and arriving in Tiburon to visit our dear friends Gail and Snorre Grunnan. We had traveled with them the previous summer through Alaska, and it was wonderful to be reunited once again.
Their stunning home, located on the water with sweeping views of Oakland across the bay, was the perfect place to relax after a long day of driving. The next day, we set out for Blackie Park, following the old rail trail along the waterline into Tiburon. The area has a rich history, and we marveled at the sights and sounds of the bustling marina and local wildlife.
For lunch, we stopped at the Sam Anchor Cafe, which offered stunning views of San Francisco in the distance. We spent the afternoon lounging on our friends’ beautiful deck, enjoying each other’s company and the stunning scenery.
Our final evening in Tiburon was spent at the Spinnaker Restaurant in Sausalito. We savored every bite of our delicious meal, surrounded by stunning views of the bay and San Francisco skyline. It was the perfect way to end our journey along the California coast. Click on thumbnail to view image
San Francisco With Gail and Snore’
As we said our goodbyes to our wonderful friends and set out on the long drive to Lake Tahoe, we couldn’t help but feel grateful for the memories we had made on this incredible journey up the coast. Despite the approaching winter storm, we were filled with a sense of excitement for the opportunity to reunite with some of our old skiing friends from our years in Cleveland Ohio.