Well, the first part of our trip is over. Sniff. So far it's been a great adventure: amazing scenery, some really really good beer, unbelievably hot weather, comfortable beds, and delicious meals. Joe and I make pretty good road pals. (I know...way to jinx it.)
We decided to continue west on our adventure and check out some of California's best beer...oh, and the coastline. We're going to the beach and then up Highway 1 for some fantastic views and great beer in Santa Barbara. From there, we'll head north and pay homage to Firestone Walker, Lagunitas, Russian River, Sierra Nevada, 21st Amendment, and possibly Bear Republic. Other suggestions?
Taking a road trip requires some planning and a whole lot of compromise. While Joe and I have very similar expectations, we do have cause for disagreement. For example, we have a difference of opinion when it comes to one's ability to drive, pass, change lanes, and park. We also differ on the proper way to pack the back end of a car that's rapidly becoming a storage facility for all the beer we're picking up to bring home. Our views on music range widely, but we can find common ground on satellite. We tend to agree on how much one should pack for such a trip - and it's always too much - but we are at odds on exactly how many times one can wear a pair of shorts before it's time to retire them to the laundry bag. I'm not a big breakfast eater, but Joe insists on coffee every morning and preferably something to go with; we both point the car toward the local In-N-Out. We try to rein in our spending on overnight stays - we're not lounging around in 5-star hotels - but we're too old to skimp on security, comfort, and clean towels and toilets.
Joe's upbringing (and I say this without judgement) firmly planted in him the notion that flying-by-the-seat-of-one's-pants is perfectly fine...and it was back in the 70s. Exploring the strip for a VACANCY sign was de rigueur. These days, travel requires reservations, notifications, route maps, and adherence to timetables (such as, "When do you expect to arrive?"). This sort of discipline appeals to my sense of organization and instinct that if you're not there at the appointed hour, neither is your room (please...no judgement). We have schedules to keep - no time for dallying, god dammit! Ultimately we plan a little and explore a lot. It all works out.
So here's to exploring the open road (with reservations and apps)! Stay tuned for our adventures up the coast and beer paradise.
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