We are back! We had a fantastic trip north from Santa Barbara and were happy (ecstatic!!) to come home Sunday to our beautiful and well cared for home (we can’t thank you enough, Tara). It’s been raining (pouring!!) since we got here, which is a bummer, but gives us a good excuse to unpack and relax back into the swing of things here before feeling too bad about not doing any work around the farm. Besides, I can’t wait to share our adventures OFF the farm.
Last week, we flew into Santa Barbara to stay with my sister’s family. Words on a blog post can’t express how amazing it is to spend 5 nights with Melanie, Corey and Mckenzie in perfect, sunny SB. The usual fun we always have, was extra special to me because I ran my first half marathon! I ran slow. It was almost impossible. And I loved it (…starting about an hour after I finished). I ran from Santa Inez to Solvang through vineyards and lavender fields… ending with wine tasting and music! Tri-tip sandwiches and more music at Cold Spring Tavern on the way down. Yum.
We spent the weekend cooking, playing, swimming and having fun! We slept in the 1977 Airstream Argosy guest room and we were reunited with our own vintage beauty, our ’79 VW, which they have been babysitting since we left it there at Thanksgiving. One way road trips are definitely the way to go! Bye bye SB and fam. See you again soon (obviously)!
Next, we took the short drive to LA…. the longest possible way we could manage. We took the, conference call in the morning, pack slowly, wait for AAA to bring a new battery, HWY 1 via Malibu, arriving to LA in the height of rush hour long-way. So it took about 6+ hours. Ali asked me at 11am if we would make it by 5!! We didn’t.
But we did make it in time to have a reunion with 3 beloved friends who are all new residents of Los Angeles. Ali, Evan and Maddy… we love you!! And miss you so much. Thanks for the delicious food, drinks, coffee and company.
We hit the road the next day for the most utterly miserable part of the trip. The drive from LA to San Jose. It was so hot, windy, stinky and loooong (I mentioned the ’79 bus…).
Luckily! Eric, Zoe and Dylan equals… wonderful company, a gorgeous baby, martinis, good wine, (more) delicious food, hot tub and always a great time. We wish we could have stayed MUCH longer!
Actually, Mitch did stay! I rode the train to San Francisco to hang for the night with MORE good friends. Tracy, Emily and Michelle already had a night out planned so I was happy to be able to crash it without fussing with any plans! Thanks ladies!! After dinner, we acted like tourists and went to the Top of the Mark at the Mark Anthony, with incredible views of the city, both bridges and all the surrounding water. Beautiful! Next, the Tonga Room in the basement of the Fairmont, where they converted the hotel pool into a tiki lounge with a band playing from a floating stage, dancing and periodic indoor rain storms! A little cheesy, but totally fun!
Ok, this is part one. I think that’s about as long as I can hope to keep your attention. Part two will include the second half of the trip though Nor Cal, when we were on our own… camping, fishing, (more) wine tasting. We Instagrammed our way up, but there is much more to share! Thanks for tuning in!!
Xo, K
SoWoodsy 