T-1 and Counting!

We leave tomorrow on a 5-day trip for our anniversary. \240Except for a quick Mother’s Day weekend, this is the first overnight trip we will have taken since the pandemic started. \240I wanted to document this trip so that we can, when we return, have fond memories, photos, stories, etc., while at the same to sharing our experience with friends and family.

The Car

We will be roadtripping in our 2010 Lotus Elise, a convertible sports car we bought back in May. \240It is lightweight (less than 2,000lbs), fast (same engine as a Toyota Celica GT) and fun (carves through windy roads). \240We’ve driven the car a lot since we got it, but this will be the first real test. \240In addition to regular oil changes, it has a new, more comfortable suspension, an upgraded modern navigation system, and cushions for our back and butt. \240What it does not have is a lot of trunk space, so packing is going to be… interesting.

Road Trip Playlist

It’s a summer road trip to a beachside town - of course there’s a playlist:

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1Ypdhm2rjVETN66cqzgdKK?si=ckHcqOQ1Rjqh53pcCvY1Zg&dl_branch=1

The Casita

We have rented a casita that Is two blocks from State Street and less than 3/4 mile from the beach! \240It has a large, beautiful shared backyard, and immaculate interior finishes. \240We’re hoping it’s perfect!

Pre-Trip Packing Check

I don’t know if “crap-ton” is an official metric measurement, but I propose we make it one!

Good Morning to Me!

So I woke up at 5:30am so I could get some caffeine and slowly acclimate to the day, as well as get some last minute kitty cuddles. \240Unfortunately, I don’t photograph well at 5:30am. \240But I’m awake, last minute chores are done (including leaving out an entire counter of cat stuff) and ready to hit the road! \240The weather looks great, and (fingers crossed) the route looks clear.

Gadget Check

This is one of my favorite pieces of technology for the trip. \240It is a mobile hotspot, and uses a cellular signal to set up a WiFi network in the car. \240The signal is string enough to power both our mobile phones and the GPS/Spotify unit in the car. \240It even picks up signal where our phones might not.

Stop #1 - Coffee

A great, little kitch-y coffee shop, complete with drinks, antiques, and in-store kittens!

Disappointment

We were supposed to grab a late brunch at this place, but the line was way too long. \240So we’ll try a place in Carmel Valley instead.

Lunch!

Bacon cheeseburger for me, breakfast combo for Shan.