Sun, snow, rain, side-shore wind... a near perfect California day

Awoke this morning in Venice beach to the smell of coffee on the press, and sun coming through the windows of the 1929 California bungalow we'd crashed at the night before. After the usual morning banter, and a visit from Mary, the local Feng Sui expert, we cruised over to the bagel place Adam recommended. The sun was bright, skies blue, and air warm. A nice change from the previous couple days of the trip. Afterwards we grambled into Mollusk Surf Shop. Tim and I were familiar with the original Mollusk in SF but hadn't been to this one. Groovy shop run by groovy people. Some kind, if pricey, Fineline surfboards on the rack in the back.


After Mollusk, we bid adieu to Adam and headed up the Hwy 1 to get the van headed in the right direction and to look for waves. We paddled out at crunchy, desolate Zuma Beach. I admired the crisp, sharp mountain views of Southern California from the water and the occasional barreling, if un-makeable, wave. Pulled in to some fun, crunchy waves and burned off some energy. Satisfied with the sesh, we continued north, stopping at Johnny's in Ventura. I burned myself by ordering a side of chips y salsa, not knowing they came gratis. I commented to a local about the snow on the mountains and he warned "You haven't seen nothin' yet. The big storm is still coming!" With that somewhat ominous warning, we got back on the road. We marveled at the amount of snow on the mountains driving up Hwy 1 through Pt. Magoo.


Tim dropped me in Santa Barbara and he continued north to finish his California mini-tour. I went to bed with the rain pouring and wind whistling.