So I got back from San Francisco late on Wednesday night, went to work on Thursday and got up early Friday to head up to my sister’s for the annual drive up the coast for the Big Sur Marathon weekend. I don’t think I’ve mentioned how incredibly understanding and generous my co-worker, Monica, is about all my travel. I couldn’t do it without her understanding of my wanderlust and the need to frequently see my son, daughter-in-law and grand-daughter in NY. I’m a pretty fast and efficient worker when I’m there, so she knows I’ll get caught up when I’m back, but it can be stressful when your in the attendance office of a high school working solo! Best job and best co-worker ever!!
…but I digress….back to Big Sur! I’ve posted many times about our adventures in Big Sur, but it basically comes down to a weekend in one of the most beautiful places on earth, with fun conversation, lots of laughs and incredible hospitality from our hosts. Hwy 1 is still closed at Ragged Point, so we opted for the 5 Fwy and over through Salinas this time….not as pretty, but we still made it down to Nepenthe for lunch. Here are a few pics…and then it’s on to the lighthouse!
We arrive mid-day Friday and have all day Saturday to shop, relax, get our race packets and enjoy all that Monterey and Carmel have to offer. We’ve been coming up here off and on since 1995 and I’m embarrassed to say that I just discovered Point Pinos Lighthouse, right there in Pacific Grove! What?!!! Where have I been, why haven’t I been paying attention? I love lighthouses…in case you didn’t know….and I try to seek them out whenever I’m traveling on a coastline.
Point Pinos is the oldest continuously operating lighthouse on the West Coast, opening in February 1855. Did you know that each lighthouse had it’s own “signature” intervals of flashes….alternating short and long bursts…. to identify each one so the ships would know where they were. Of course, now most ships have GPS and many lighthouses have been closed permanently. The Point Pinos Lighthouse was transferred from the Coast Guard to the City of Pacific Grove in 2006 with ongoing restorations today. It’s a beauty!!
Sunday was race day and we’ve had every different kind of weather over the years, but this year was a beauty (even if there was a little bit of light drizzle later in the morning)!
….another amazing weekend on the coast, with good friends, good food, lots of laughs….and a beautiful lighthouse!
Thanks for the shoutout! I feel so lucky to work with you….we are a great team!