The next 24 hours

We left LA and drove up through Malibu, stopping for breakfast and mimosas. As we hit Highway 1, the ocean came clearly into view and it's about as breathtaking as you imagine the ocean to be. We can all agree there is just something about the Southern California ocean, can't we?

We had a delightful waiter at breakfast, the type who wants to hear where you're from, who you are, where you're going. The type who winked at us as we headed out. He just gave me this feeling it was going to be a great day, the kind of day I'd constantly conjure up when I think of the good ones.

After breakfast, we were determined to forget about the clock and stop at a bookstore even though we were well behind schedule. And so we did. I even saw one of my company's books facing out on a shelf -- that's always a nice pat on the back.

One thing I loved so much about this trip was our mutual desire to do away with a schedule, an agenda, a sense of time at all. We allowed our wants to guide us and that was the most healing part of the whole trip. We wound through the state, watching the temperature dip and climb, depending on where we were, listening to the 500 Days of Summer soundtrack. It was such a great time, and I loved every minute of it.

We stopped in Santa Barbara, and spent a nice chunk of time in a resale book shop near the main drag in town. We walked a little more, not for very long, before grabbing necklaces and pastries (one of the best chocolate croissants I've ever tasted) for the road. We were headed to Carmel, where we stayed the night, and it took us most of the afternoon and evening to get there.

Kristie turned to me as it was getting dark and said, "God, I hope Carmel doesn't suck."

Oh, Internet! It didn't suck!

We stayed at the Green Lantern Inn and got a fat upgrade to a newly renovated, two-queen-bed guest room. We threw our bags on the beds and ran to dinner before the entire sleepy town shut down. We were so delirious and punchy, I thought the waiter was going to deny us wine. He didn't, you'll be glad to hear. We bought a half bottle of white and then another half bottle of white later, when we decided to hell with being responsible, THE KIDS WERE AT HOME. The waiter gently reminded us it would have been cheaper to just buy one whole bottle of wine, but whatever, that's so OBVIOUS and NOT DUMB and we like to keep everyone on their toes.

{Panoramic view of our room at the Green Lantern Inn.}

At dinner, Kristie and I were laughing so hard, the next table kept glaring at us. Don't you love when you laugh so hard, you couldn't care less how many people look on annoyingly? We couldn't end the night THERE, obviously, so we found the smallest little bar, called Sade's, and ordered two of the tastiest and most expensive Long Island Iced Teas I've ever had. Much pricier and tastier than the 25-cent versions I used to chug in college. No, really, The Hall in College Station used to have Quarter Drink Night and they'd make and sell 25-cent Long Island Iced Teas. Those were some interesting nights, let me tell you. Before we found Sade's, we were ambling around town, looking for an open spot, and I thought a hotel bar would be a nice place to stop in. As we walked into the hall of the hotel, I turned to Kristie and said, "It's a rehearsal dinner! We just walked into a rehearsal dinner!" Hey, hotel in Carmel, a sign on the door might have prevented that. I would have hated for my rehearsal dinner to be interrupted by two loud, tipsy bloggers. Although my rehearsal dinner was at In N Out Burger, so I don't know if we would have noticed. 

Kristie will want me to tell you now about the practically naked man we saw after drinks, and I don't know how to really give this story justice -- you should have just come with us -- but as we were walking back to our Inn, we walked by a small little cottage with the lights on and a man looking out his front door. This caught my attention because, well, was he looking for travelers to snatch up and hold hostage or was he just checking the weather? I THOUGHT IT IMPORTANT TO FIGURE OUT. So when I looked closer, I realized he was in his underwear. His bright blue thong underwear. He shut the door and continued to just stroll around his house, leisurely, still barely dressed, still in plain sight. And I could not scurry past his door fast enough but NOT KRISTIE, OH NO. She took this, "We're traveling! We're open to adventures!" to mean, we should photograph every inappropriate, half-naked person we stumbled upon. I know you're now expecting me to share a picture with you but, sadly, we don't have one. Because I pushed Kristie quickly down the street so the thong-wearing stranger wouldn't SEE us STARING at him and come out and STAB us or something. You're welcome, Kristie.

The next morning, we got up and visited the beach and both decided we have to go back, one day, with other people we love in tow. We have to go back to one of the most beautiful places on earth.

We headed out of town far too soon, but we'll be back, Carmel. Get those Long Island Iced Teas ready. And tell the naked men to shut their blinds.

{The food post comes tomorrow; it includes a lot of bacon and champagne.}

Comments

[Jess]

This sounds so, so, so lovely. This is exactly what I'm hoping for from our road trip next week. No schedule, no itinerary. Yes we'll have a guidebook and a list of things we might like to do--but that's just it. MIGHT. No requirements except to make it to our various hotel reservations. And that's planned in such a way that it will not be a hardship.

[Kristabella]

What a fun trip! I love the Central Coast of California! Perfect time of year to visit!

Also this reminds me of the party I was at last Xmas in a high rise in Chicago and we could see into the building next to us and dude was walking from one end of his condo to the other, NAKED, and we could not stop staring!

[Kaleigha]

That hotel looks awesome!

[Rachel]

Sounds like so much fun!! That is too funny about the almost naked guy! I can't imagine what I would think if that happened to me! :)

[Kristie]

I'm still a tad bitter about not getting a picture of the naked man. But walking into the room that was open to the sky was pretty awesome (and confusing) so I let it slide.

You were easily the best ever traveling partner, I couldn't have asked for anyone better.

I love you JenNAY.

[Jill]

I'm new to reading your blog but am really enjoying it!
I've been staying at the Green Lantern for close to 20 years. Yikes, am I that old?!
Sounds like you had a great CA trip.

[Amy --- Just A Titch]

Carmel is AMAZING. One of my fave places! Glad you two had fun :)

[Julie]

Ah, I remember Quarter Drink Night. It went away for a bit while I was there (thanks, TABC), but it's good to know it's alive and well.

So so so very pretty. I need a vacation like this. Until then, yours is quite the good one for the vicarious thrills.

[Shelly]

I love the way you tell stories...I feel like I was right there with you two! Glad you had a great time!

P.S You are looking really good! :)

[Rhi]

I really am partial to the Oregon ocean ;-)

[Natalie]

jealous! Carmel is just beautiful!! I was just talking about the hurricane harry's the other day. Did you ever get 2 drinks, and then get back at the end of the line with 2 drinks so you could get more? A never ending cycle.

Read Gossip girl, but can't figure out how to comment on your mama pop....I watched it today. Chuck has the ugliest most flaring nostrils ever. His hairstyle is ridc and his clothes are dumb. I knew creepy guy, was creepy but I didn't know why b/c I didn't see the first episode. I thought maybe he just wasn't attending school....Serena is annoying.

[annie]

Yay for Carmel! Tim and I spent phase one of our honeymoon there and loved every minute of it. I'm glad you guys got the chance to stop there - so beautiful and so charming all in one little town.