Friday, December 12, 2008

California Holiday - 2008

Last summer was just a little too hectic, so instead of our regular visit to California to visit Dave's family, we decided to stay home. It was a little depressing at the time, but we've made it through the long extra months and now we're making the final preparations for the trip: 
  1. Sitter for the kitties - check
  2. Map the route - check
  3. Overnight reservations - check
  4. Remember to take the dog - che... well, I guess that's one of those last minute things
It's a LONG drive - three full days of driving, but Elphie (the Prius) promises me she's up to the task and I'm curious to see how she does on the open highway (we're getting between 45-50 mpg in town). 

Our destination? Santa Cruz County, California! Every one walks and bikes. If you check out the beach in the middle of the week, you'd swear no one has a job ('cause they're all out there surfing - though probably not in December), and just about every restaurant is set up for vegetarians. Talk about my kind of place! 

I've already visited Local Harvest to find out about the local farmers market. It's within walking distance to my MIL's house - Sweet! But the real question here is... 

Does anyone in the general area want to try to meet up? We'll be staying in Aptos (Santa Cruz County) from December 22 - January 1. If you're interested, send me an email. California, here we come!

12 comments:

J said...

What a fun trip Heather! And to a place that is walkable, veg friendly, with a farmer's market nearby? You may never come back!

A little aside, I was born in California (Ventura), I always say that I will end up back there one day.

ttammylynn said...

I always wanted to visit California but I am locked by ball and chain, stuck to this place. The last trip I made, I took 1 1/2 days off to go to Austin and Schlitterbahn...when I came back I regreted leaving my business in someone else's hands. In a year or so, we are selling one of the businesses and then things will be a bit better.
Have a safe and fun as heck trip.

hmd said...

Jennifer - It turns out it's the housing prices that send us back home :) Yikes! Otherwise, I have a feeling we'd already be out there.

Tammy - Thanks! The area where Dave is from is fabulous. The drive will be a little rough, but the visit will be wonderful.

ib mommy said...

I'm laughing at you taking 3 days to drive:) My husband stuffed me, two toddlers and a baby in a Susuki Samurai and drove from the coast of NC to just outside of SLC, UT in just under two days. I think he was in a hurry to get home!

Have a fun trip!

ib mommy said...

P.S.-- not laughing in a ha ha way:)

hmd said...

ib mommy - wow! That's some serious driving. I don't think I have the butt-strength to sit that long :)

Did he do all the driving?

Crunchy Chicken said...

I love Santa Cruz, although it's a bit too crunchy for me at times :)

hmd said...

Crunchy Chicken - I've heard some fun stories from my hubby. Like the mayor was arrested because he didn't believe in paying taxes. Oops :)

Definitely different from where we live now, but I LOVE EVERY MINUTE of my visits - the sun, the beach, lazy days, my MIL's gorgeous flower garden, vegetarian fare in every restaurant...

Purvi Shah Macwan said...

Have a safe and gr8 ride to CA...I am in love with CA too...hip crowd, metro environment,and list goes on... wished the taxes were less ;)

hmd said...

Miss Shah - no doubt! It's so expensive, but it's paradise :)

Lisa said...

Can I go with you? haha I'm not that far from you up here in Oklahoma. :)

hmd said...

Lisa - you bet! We'll make room :)