California-1

Having escaped the fires of Yosemite (not really, see my last post), we made the long drive back across California to the Monterey Bay. Grabbed some quick groceries and ice at Trader Joe's before heading up to Compagno's Deli. Little did we know how much of a local legend this place was. The place is covered in marine nameplates, hats, memorabilia galore-- and the beer selection is stocked for those returning from overseas. The sandwiches were enormous and delicious, and then the owner Bennet gave us a slice of the best PB & Chocolate pie I've ever had. From there we drove out to the 17-Mile-Drive along Pebble Beach, with these disgustingly large houses & pristine golf courses. Stopped at the clubhouse, but we weren't exactly dressed for a drink at the 18th green pub. So, onwards to Carmel, which was a cute little town on the shore up on a hill. Spent some time on the beach and at a coffee shop before the final drive of the day: down California-1, the Pacific Coast Highway, to Big Sur. These long, winding bends around dramatic cliffs on the edge of the Pacific were a sight to experience. After setting up camp at the State Park, we drove down to the beach for sunset.

Friday may have been our toughest driving day of the trip. We left early, down the PCH along more dramatic cliffs, before reaching San Luis Obispo for a pit stop. Went another few hours before Santa Barbara, where we ate In-N-Out on the shores overlooking the Channel Islands. From there we journeyed west to the desert, on our way to Las Vegas for Raj's birthday party. We got in around 8pm, more than enough time to get cleaned up, eat the second half of our Compagno's sandwiches (again, big hat tip to Bennet), and do the strip. Spent the night at Light, a club in Mandalay Bay, where we got in free thanks to an Elon hookup. In summary: loud techno, confetti, and expensive alcohol. Returned to Bally's, where I may or may not have stayed up all night winning money.

The remainder of the party awoke just in time to get out before check out time at 11am, and we got In-N-Out again before the drive back to LA. My body is being treated SO well on this trip. Upon arrival at the Embassy (aka: Raj's residence) we collapsed and watched the BrBa we missed last Sunday. Big gathering at the house before going out in North Hollywood in the evening. Went to the only bar in California that serves Yuengling (apparently, and it was $6/bottle), and Doch and I left early to get gourmet hot dogs and cheese smothered tater tots from a food truck. Worth it. Lazy Sunday consisted of Doch visiting family in Laguna Woods, while I tried my best to sweat out the last two nights by going for a run along Huntington Beach. Made it back to NoHo to wash some dishes, clean up, and put the car back together. Walked about a bit in Hollywood, grabbed some dinner, saw some sights, and then headed south for San Diego. Caught the rerun of BrBa at midnight so we're still caught up, it's a miracle! It won't last.

Our Monday in the southwestern most city in America was a good, eventful one. Grabbed some coffee in town before driving up to the Stone Brewery in Escondido. Sampled some beers, met some fellow Jersey natives, had an appetizer or two, and ran into a fellow HSN grad! Couldn't get a tour because of some unfortunate events over the weekend, but the bistro and store were still well worth the drive up. Drove across to check out Black's Beach, but the hike down and the clouds kept us from hanging out. Instead we went a bit further south to hang out at La Jolla, a cove/shore with a bunch of seals, gulls, etc. Very neat, unique area, with another cute beach town to match. Hit up Trader Joe's for more groceries before heading back to the city. Watched the sunset from our awesome third floor balcony, with views of the full skyline and marina, and the consistent drone of 737's passing by above, seconds away from landing at the airport. Sounds annoying, but actually very cool once you get used to it. Walked down to the Gaslamp for dinner at La Puerta, drinks at the Hopping Pig, and then met up with said fellow HSN grad at Barleymash. Taxied back to our awesome rented room at the Upfront Air-BNB near Little Italy, where we were promptly offered drinks and the jacuzzi by the owner, Michael. Another great guy who deserves a hat tip.

Wishing we could have spent more time in LA and San Diego, but such is life on a packed road trip. Gracious to our hosts in LA, happy to see our friends, and thankful for my dealers in Sin City. Tuesday morning (the 27th) we put the Pacific Ocean in our rear view for the last time. Heading east! Not too quickly. Joshua Tree, Sedona, and the Grand Canyon, before Utah.

And remember, always tip your waitresses.