cachagua general store

If you take the Carmel Valley Road, then a right on Cachagua, you'll drive up switchbacks and down winding roads. You'll view beautiful untouched lands, then come across the Cachugua General Store. There's a store on one side and a restaurant on the other. It's nothing fancy, it's very old. You'll find a woman with a young face and gray hair, her voice is like a Kewpie doll's if Kewpies could talk, she'll offer you some orange juice or coffee and a seat. Brunch has three options: eggs, omelets, and eggs benedict. Everything is fresh from the farm or garden. It comes with a side of pancakes, which are light and buttery. All for $15. The owner/chef is a genius and has the best kind of character you want in a man: honest, upfront, and doesn't take shit. You'll have the best time and hope to visit again for a Monday night dinner.

cold pleasure

My daughter is named after the ocean. It's in her DNA. She'll splash in any beach at any temperature. My husband commented, "Her body temperature adjusts to her degree of fun." It was around 54 degrees F this particular day.

big sur camping

The fog rolled in as we journeyed to our camping weekend in Big Sur. It had been a year since I was last there and I achingly needed to be in the most serene place I know.

We set up camp at Pfeiffer State Park. Spot 43, but we wanted spot 2, next time.

Our Saturday hike was at Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park. We were in search of the waterfall.

The tree apparently loves tits.

The waterfall in the forest.....

Final destination, the Pacific Ocean.