Day 4 : Its All Too Beautiful

Can someone help me remember who wrote that song? These 70' and 80's oldie goldies keep going thru my brain as I cruise California. How about "Here Comes The Sun", a Beatle's Classic. Today was a "Golden Day" if there ever was one. Perfect in every way. I cannot find words to adequately describe the crashing surf, the spindrift, the sky glinting off azure waters, and the warmth of the sun through the open sunroof.
My memories of Carmel did not do the town by the sea justice. We stopped there and had a difficult time leaving. The small city itself, and its picturesque setting explain why it is so popular. We walked a large part of the beach, all the way to the Pebble Beach Golf Course (world famous) where I climbed a sand dune and snapped a picture. Then we wandered Ocean Ave for many blocks taking in the arty ambiance of this mecca of the rich and famous. One of us had a thrill of a life time when we found the 'original' Thomas Kinkade' garden studio tucked away between shops. Even I found it quite delightful.
More rugged seascapes and we found our way to San Simeon where we stopped for lunch. We left Hurst Castle behind without a visit because we did that last time. I doubt they they have re-decorated since our last visit.
We only got to Santa Barbara by nightfall. Everything between here and San Francisco is pricey. Even gas is the highest in the nation, or so we are told. Oregon saw under $3 per US gallon and here it is just under $4. Restaurants and hotels too are for the well heeled. We feel like country bumpkins at times.
So, here we are on New Year's Eve, away from friends and family, but still able to connect somewhat. We wouldn't be anywhere else. Tomorrow we will drive through L.A, and San Diego and will probably have light traffic. That is a rarity I am sure. I hope it is true.
Here is hoping your parties, dinners, and plans for New Year's Eve go well and may you awake in 2008 with renewed hope and exuberance for the future.
PS Shorts and T-shirt tomorrow.