(not necessarily in that order)
The coast will forever be my happy place.
We enjoyed a short but beautiful drive from Guerneville, then walked coastal paths near Fort Ross; had a delicious salad for lunch in Jenner (at a delightful cafe with views of the Russian River emptying into the ocean); and visited an adorable shopping area in Duncans Mills.
It was sunny and windy — the kind of invigorating coastal weather that I love the most!
I haven’t been there in forever, but it still comes as a shock to read that Louis’ Restaurant is closing as the result of the pandemic.
During the many years I lived in San Francisco, the whole area of the Sutro Bath Ruins, Sutro Park, and Land’s End was my main “happy place.” I would spend hours walking on Ocean Beach or clambering over the ruins or sitting gazing out at the ocean, then head to the Cliff House or Louis’ or the Seal Rock Inn for breakfast.
Other times I would walk through Golden Gate Park or along the Great Highway to get there. I have so many precious memories of my time in San Francisco, although I can’t even begin to imagine living there at this point in time. Which is just as well, since the San Francisco of my memories most likely doesn’t even exist anymore.