California dreaming

Driving was unsettling for a native of flat, green land.  The pay off though, made me absolutely giddy. Seeing California's giant redwoods was on my list since elementary school.  They were the reason for the trip but I've written about it before so let's back up to San Francisco.  

I did not like it.  It turns out to be a medium sized town with a population I'd say was 4x too big.  Mom and I stayed in a tiny expensive Airbnb. I wanted to stay in the Mission district close to the "action" which turned out to be a farmers market.  This is where Mom learned about Uber.  Imagine you see your child running towards a stranger's car with no explanation.  I apologized promptly and gave her the low down.  What I couldn't explain was the other passenger, asleep and heavily pierced. She adapts quickly tho and asked the Latino driver where to go for Mexican.  Alas it's a seafood town so slim options.  Ok, so the sea lions are great. The bridge is wonderful.  I did visit City Lights Books and picked up a new copy of Catch-22.  Otherwise, eh.  I suppose if we had planned better we could have seen Alcatraz.  that would have been something.  What we were able to do is visit with an old friend of mine and his boyfriend.  Boyfriend was so nice to Mom who was in a fragile state of mind. I'm so grateful. It also left me plenty of time to catch up with my friend and not worry about her.  To this day when she hears his name her eyes light up.  

Onward!  After San Francisco we started driving south. I thought the PCH would be nice and scenic, with a stop or two along the coast before heading east to Sequoia. Lovers Point had a great name so we stopped. Now this is why you don't feed wild animals people!  Never in my life have I seen such bold squirrels!  We wanted a scenic spot to eat.  We sat.  I'm using my foot to ward off the little beggers but they have no fear.  Bob and weave, Bob and weave, when suddenly Mom screams.  A critter was tapping her back.  Gimme!  Gimme!  Before I crawl over your shoulder and snatch from your hand!  And it wasn't just squirrels.  The gulls stare contemptuously at you if you don't give up the goods quickly enough. 

Next up, I wanted to drive the 17 mile drive to Pebble Beach.  Turns out it was closed for a special fancy car event, so we went on to Carmel by the Sea.  And oh the cars!  So many super cars just parked along the curb as if they were merely modes of transportation rather than the fine artworks that they are!  

Well those are the lowlights.  I saved my days for the trees.  Muir, Sequoia, Kings. That's what I really wanted, and I got it.  

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