The countdown is on to just over 4 weeks before I start my trek back to the homeland. Knowing that countdown will soon be over, I took the Purdy's up on their offer to join them in their home in the redwoods of California. Like, literally in the redwoods.
Thanks to the Purdy's for their warm and gracious hospitality. 



It was by far the most relaxing vacation I've had in a long time, and though it was only for an extended weekend, it was exactly what I needed. I spent my mornings waking up by lounging on the deck, in the quiet wilderness of the woods. It was the kind of vacation you dream about, where you can take your time waking up and enjoying the wilderness as you sip a cup of tea and getting lost in a new book.


I also took one afternoon to explore (very) nearby Henry Cowell State Park and took a great 3 mile hike to a beautiful look-out point that overlooks the boardwalk.

L: One of the giant redwoods of Henry Cowell; Top: hundreds of years displayed by the size of my hand. Bottom: A banana-slug, the mascot of UCSC. No I did not kiss it. R: REDWOODS!!!
L: Me in front of a Santa Cruz Redwood, which is relatively average sized. Top: Me in front of the Chinese tree, transplanted to Henry Cowell after discovering this species still existed. Bottom: The view from the lookout point. The lowest dip was the view of the boardwalk.
The next day, after a father's day lunch (where I filled in for the day as daughter), the Purdy's played tour guides and took me  all over Santa Cruz, adventuring downtown and along the wharf. Those two days in the mountains of Santa Cruz were surreal, beautiful, and soul-refreshing.

Left: The Santa Cruz Lighthouse. Top: The Santa Cruz Boardwalk/amusement park. Bottom: Momma Purdy and I at the wharf with the chardonnay behind us. Right: A sea lion camping out beneath the wharf.

I have a suspicion that I might not ever get to drive the PCH again from this far north, so I took off Monday morning for a full day of driving. Though only half of it was actual driving as the rest was all spent pulling off randomly on the side of the road to absorb the picturesque and utterly breathtaking views. I still can't believe I've had the opportunity to make this drive twice now.
After a stop along the Monterey Bay, I headed south through Big Sur, past Morro Bay and into SLO, where I caught the 101 back home.
It was an unbelievable journey and adventure.


The Bixby Bridge, built in 1932, by Big Sur. 
This is the Big Creek Bridge, build back in 1937.

Monterey Bay Aquatic Life.
Another view of the Big Creek Bridge

 From the morning marine layer that hadn't quite burned off yet in Monterey to the blue skies past Big Sur, the entire day was just perfect. If I could do it again, I'd go today....But I'd hire a trusted driver instead as those hours of hairpin turns definitely gave me a bit of anxiety, though it was very worth it. 
Left: Morro Rock. By this point, I was more interested in doing drive-by's and getting home. Top: one of the first stunning views I came upon after the highway left Monterey and condensed down to 2 lanes.
Bottom Pictures: Me, enjoying picturesque views as I stopped randomly and frequently to enjoy the scenery.
Right: Elephant Seal Beach nearing SLO.