Bodega Bay

This is how we began: cerulean sky and an expanse of water, right outside our window.

The next morning was more like:

Every day I spent there, I wrote. Not literally as I must when at work, but as a poet might. I tried to see everything as an artist. I'd nearly forgotten I had it in me.

But I found plenty to inspire...



Crab sandwich and clam chowder? Check. Salty wind and view of the Bay? Check. Random bluesy Elvis crooner? Check.

When the clouds blew past us, we were left to enjoy a silver-tinged landscape.




So we did.

Things I Loved About Memorial Day Weekend

I haven't feel like I haven't blogged in forever! Last week was busy with a new employment opportunity writing travel articles for Examiner.com (see my profile here!), and planning for a great weekend getaway to Cambria, California, thanks to the generosity of my aunt and uncle who invited us to stay at their beach house with them.

Just a few highlights from our trip:

Grilling some famous Hearst beef for dinner at home

Wildflowers - everywhere!

Seeing the sea lions

Having afternoon tea

The best ribs and potato salad I've ever had (at Hot City BBQ in Los Banos, CA)

The most adorable cottage and garden I've seen

Olive oil tasting, with my favorites tangerine olive oil
and olive jam (sweet, salty, amazing!)

The ocean, and that particular humidity that you can only inhale in a coastal town.

What did you do last weekend?

The Spirit of Marin County

Have you heard of Marin County? It's just north of San Francisco. After the 60's, loads of hippies were burned out and tired of the crowded city life. Anxious to "return to the land", they flooded north. Many founded towns and businesses that have since become very successful and affluent, but the area still maintains its bohemian roots. Here is my guide to an authentic Marin County experience.

1. Explore the many creameries, bakeries, and artisan meat shops that dot the rolling pastoral hills. Stock up for a picnic later on in the day.

2. Follow a little girl in a bread wagon down the street to the Farmer's Market where she's headed with her mom the baker.
3. Peruse the organic greens, vibrant vegetables, homespun yarn, homemade desserts, and glistening fruits at the market. Make friends with the people who grew the food or created the product that you are about to enjoy!
4. Examine the local Community Garden and get tips on how to help your crops thrive!

5. Hike the hills around Point Reyes Lighthouse and find a serene spot with a killer view before enjoying the edible spoils of the day.
6. Prepare to descend 308 steps to explore the lighthouse, built over 140 years ago! (It hasn't been operating since 1975.)

Hope you get a chance to explore this unique area soon. I sure liked our day trip and hope to explore more of it soon.