Sunday April 29, 2012

Today is a turning point of sorts. Today, we pack up the car and we head south from Mendocino. For this first time on this trip, we are turning back the way we came. Away from the new and unknown and toward home. Away from the spirit of adventure and romance, and back toward reality.

Today marks the beginning of the end of this glorious adventure. It’s time to start thinking about home. The job search has been going OK – there are some nibbles that need my physical presence to follow-up on. I’ve been away a long time – the longest vacation I’ve ever taken. Home will be nice and comfortable and safe.

Still – it’s a bittersweet moment. This has been an amazing, wonderful time for both of us. I’m not completely sure I’m ready for it to end.

Luckily, we’re not done yet. There is still some great riding to do, and there is still some time together. In some ways we saved the best for last. We have time booked in one of the best hotels in California. The Bernardus Lodge is a luxury resort and winery in Carmel Valley. The vineyard produces a couple of wines that are very good, and the resort has a great spa. We stayed here once before, and we were particularly impressed with the restaurant. We have always remembered that meal, and are eager to try it again.

The drive from Mendocino is unremarkable. It’s long – 5.5 hour – and a little dull. We reverse the 70 miles along route 128, then join the major freeways as we run past San Francisco and the bay area and out to the coast.

We arrive at the Bernardus Lodge in time to get comfy in our room, take a hot shower and get ready for dinner. The dinner is magnificent! Marinus is one of America’s most celebrated restaurants, where Chef Cal Stamenov’s acclaimed California Natural cuisine is beautifully paired with more than 1,800 fine wine selections. The service is fabulous. Once again, this is a meal that we will remember for years to come.

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Monday comes early. I actually have some worked lined up in Palo Alto. Somebody giving me money? What an odd feeling! It about a 90 miles drive, and the traffic through San Jose and Santa Clara is horrific. I leave myself three hours, and need every minute of it. It feels good to be back in a work situation, and I enjoy participating in some engineering discussions and thinking about professional issues once again.

The trip back to Carmel at the end of the day is slightly less awful than the trip there. Two and half hours of driving gets me back to Nancy in time for a late dinner and a good night’s sleep.

Tomorrow we ride the famous 17 Mile Drive. We have looked forward to this ride since I started talking about this trip. It’s going to be great….