August 12-Miles of Memories through Malibu and Beyond
Today’s ride along the California coastline through Malibu, south to San Diego, and inland to Julian took me past one positive memory after another – camping at the beach with my kids, raising a family in Mission Viejo, and sharing a meal of the best burritos in the country at The Taco Stand near UCSD.
Leaving Ventura this morning I wound my way through the foothills of the Western Santa Monica Mountains past Point Mugu State Park, following the shoreline as I took in the steep rugged cliffs covered in coastal sage and scrub to my left and the silver blue sea water with rippling white waves to my right.
Entering Malibu, I pulled over at Leo Carillo State Park to reminisce about the many family vacations the kids and I enjoyed there – camping beneath the sycamore and oak trees, roasting marshmallows by the crackling fire, and spending our days on the beach playing on the rocks and in the caves, exploring the tidepools, and making sandcastles in the wet sand.
I walked along the shoreline, felt the warm sun on my back, touched the cool frothy water, admired the surfers coasting in between the sea stacks, and watched a seagull make off with an entire bag of chips.
Continuing south on 405 and then I-5, I passed the exit for my old neighborhood, remembering trips to the park, great neighbors, and lots of fun in the sun.
Making my way to The Taco Stand on Convoy Street in San Diego for lunch, I met up with Diana and Atwood Lynn, precious friends who used to be my Southern California next door neighbors. It was such a treat to see them in person and catch up on their lives.
I savored every bite of my Cameron Burrito, a browned buttery four tortilla stuffed with grilled spicy shrimp, gooey melted cheese, perfectly ripe avocado, crisp cabbage, juicy tomato and refreshing chipotle sauce.
Heading east and then north along highways 78 and 79 after Ramona, the landscape became more open as I passed broad valleys and glorious golden rolling hills scattered with lush oak trees. Navigating the hairpin curves past Santa Ysabel into the Cuyamaca Mountains to Julian, the temperature cooled as tall Jeffrey Pines appeared all around. What a great day on the road!
