California Dreamin’
Rizco Travels to Cali!
Taking a cue from Miley Cyrus, a few weeks ago I hopped off the plane at LAX with my dream, a cardigan, and my best friend.
Traveling from palm trees and power lines in L.A., up the golden coast PCH (in a Dodge Charger no less! – major upgrade from the 94 ‘Corolla), all the way up to the Golden Gate Bridge, and the rolling hills of grapes and sunshine in Napa and Sonoma, there was hardly a dull moment.
While driving down the 101, I couldn’t resist including my Rizco Design coworkers along on my journey the only way I knew how. With my business cards and smart phone at hand, Rizco came with me in spirit everywhere I went.
From Los Angeles, I enjoyed celebrity sightings (aka the back of Jane Fonda’s head) on Rodeo Drive to swiping free Prada perfume samples and soaking up sun in the laidback beaches of Santa Monica where the iguanas run free and wild. Lastly, a boat ride to Catalina Island, 45 miles off the Coast of CA proved to be a great day trip equipped with my first scuba diving session complete with seeing a lot of sea kelp – and the occasional fish.
Some more highlights along the way included driving along the Pacific Coast Highway to Monterey with its steep cliffs and ocean views (or fog in my case) which are a must see, and great for those who love road trips. You can stop off at any of the beaches to spot native wildlife like elephant seals!, see Hearst Castle, and, of course, surfers riding the waves.
Finally, I landed in San Francisco; where my first mission was to conquer the Golden Gate Bridge – via mountain bike! (and car, of course). After getting lost numerous times and trudging up the hills I finally made it across. For my valiant efforts, I treated myself to a San Fran corn dog and a bowl of their famous clam chowder in a sourdough bread bowl. Day trips from hiking the Muir Woods to see the giant redwoods, and numerous wine and cheese tastings in Napa and Sonoma nicely rounded out the end of my trip. While I didn’t spot the Tanner Family, I did see a Golden Retriever on the bay –good enough for me.
Overall it was a fantastic trip. I came, I saw, I conquered. Literally.