Wow! We are entering our second week of pure, unalloyed sunshine. And warm! Yes, the peninsula's steady fog has given way to summer! In mid-November! This is too much for this transplanted Southern boy who's used to muggy summers followed by crisp autumns.
Yesterday our daughter called. She was off work and wanted to go for a ride. Since I'm semi-retired and keep my Goldwing at her place, I walked the three blocks over San Francisco's hills to Amy's. We saddled up the Wing and headed out on 19th for the Golden Gate Bridge and Marin County.
It still amazes me that I can live in a busy, urban area and yet be out in the rolling countryside in a matter of a half hour. When we lived in Charlotte, it would take a half hour just to get to one of the country roads that was fast filling up with the dragon's teeth houses of suburbia. Here we can be riding the twisty turneys right next to the Pacific Ocean in the same amount of time.
Anyway, up the 101 to Lucas Valley Road. Hang a left to some of the nicest two-laner curves around. Go through hilly, open country followed by the dark patches of Redwood forests. Past George Lucas' ranch and the blink-town of Nicasio to the Petaluma Road. Hang another left until you come to a narrow bridge on the right. Then down a swift twisty to Point Reyes Station.
If you look up the words "laid-back California," you'll see a picture of Point Reyes Station. Where else would you find the "Bovine Bakery"? And a sign on the men's room toilet at the local gas station with a coin-operated lock that says, "Yes, it's 25 cents. But isn't it worth it to make your bladder gladder?". And then in true California style it's open anyway.
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