Rest. What is it? Is it a day off from work or school? Is it a weekend getaway or even a disconnected staycation? Or is it just a moment in silent meditation, pausing to focus on your breathing and realign your vision on what’s at hand. Whatever it is, we can all take a moment to, REST – Relaxing Essential Serene Tranquility

Today, was that day for Pearl and I. We both needed it after being on the road for a solid two weeks. I left her parked at the Ace Hotel & Swim Club and remained a short term resident myself. I checked off my normal socials and email in the morning and then disconnected. After spending the last couple days in 100+ degree weather, I stayed out of the heat as much as possible and caught up on sleep in possibly the most comfortable bed on the trip so far. The Ace was the perfect stop. After an early afternoon lunch, I began prepping for a morning departure and where our path would take us. Once the highest afternoon temps passed, I made my way to the pool, and enjoyed a delightful Gin & Tonic beneath one of the most spectacular poolside views of the local mountain range. With nightfall now looming upon us, I had one last meal and an Old Fashioned to cap off my time at The Ace. Tomorrow we would be leaving the desert and the heat, finally!

With great anticipation, I woke with revived energy. After stopping at Koffi for my morning Americano and croissant today, I made my way for a morning hike to the Taqhuitz Canyon Waterfall. Totaling around 2.5 miles total, the climax of the peak was a waterfall and pool that provides much needed water for the local flora and fauna, as well as the native people years ago.

Heading south, Pearl and I begin our trip to San Diego and the southern coast of California. Getting to the Salton Sea was a breeze; we stopped into the visitor center and learned about the history of the area and how the sea was formed, as well as what the future holds. Leaving was a different story; I locked my keys in the truck. Channeling my inner MacGyver, I knew I could hook the the door knob and pull it up. First try, using a shoelace with a loose slip knot, I came so close to looping it over and successfully unlocking the door – Fail. Next attempt, a zip tie, pre looped and bent for the angle change around the window – Fail, again. Eventually I was able to get the zip tie over the knob and unlock the door. Thanks to the park ranger, and his assistance, I was glad someone was actually around, as everything I could have used was inside the truck. Moving on, Pearl and I made our way south for the Mexican border for Interstate 8 and continuing west for the coast. As Mike Tyson famously said, “Everybody has a plan until they get punched in the mouth;” while Pearl and I didn’t take one of Iron Mikes famous knockout punches, we definitely took a jab square on the chin or more correctly the grille. The maintained 100 degree days have equated to jab after jab after jab, and we were ready for the bell to ding and end the fight. With one last climb to go, Pearl and I sat in our corner catching our breath. Ready for the final round, Pearl and I pushed over the grade and upon reaching almost 5000 feet, we were met with cool ocean temps, downhill grades and the feeling that the bell would be ringing as soon as we made it to Coronado.

Having tickets to the Padres game that night, we had enough time to grab a beer on the beach at Mike Hess Brewing, check in to the inn, and head over to PetCo Park. What I have yet to account for yet, is the day that I arrive to certain cities, Friday or Saturday afternoon, is not recommended. Missing an opportunity for a good local beer, I parked Pearl for the weekend (she still needed REST), I checked in and headed to the ballpark for my first Major League Baseball game.

Always wanting to take part in the local fare, I stepped up to the Barrio Dog stand and grabbed the works, house dog and michelada. Enjoying the game, I made friends with the father and son I sat next to and persuaded them to divulge the local places to eat and drink. Without thinking they held nothing back, wanting to share their city (Coronado) with everyone they were happy to help me out; even as far as to help me get back across the bay on the ferry, post game. Unfortunately the Mets took control of the game, hitting back to back homers in the 5th inning; including one, a line drive a few rows behind me. But in all, it was a great experience – great atmosphere, awesome people, and I was on national tv. Tomorrow we would remain in the Bay Area.

77 years ago today, Allied Troops, landed on the beaches of Normandy for what would become the largest joint strike combining air, land, and sea tactics. It is with Great Tragedy, so many young men perished on those beaches. But without their sacrifice, the world, could be a very different place.

Today, I spent the morning enjoying my coffee, and conversing with other residents of the Cherokee Lodge. A retired Marine, he and his wife vacation every year in Coronado. I couldn’t have been more grateful to have spent, even this brief moment with him, especially on D-Day. I headed for the USS Midway Museum, taking the ferry across and back. I learned much about the Battle of Midway and how this ship was so named. On board the Midway today were two men, survivors of World War II, and who both active during the Invasion of Normandy. While I have been to Normandy, and witness the magnitude of what was at hand, it is with the utmost gratitude that we can say thank you to our armed forces; and more importantly that we remember and honor those brave men and women who pay the ultimate price for freedom.

Returning to Coronado, I snagged a seat on the porch of Costa Azul, still insight of the USS Midway across the bay. Watching the ferry come and go and families enjoy a little fun in the sun on the bayside beach, I contemplate wether anyone else is thinking what I am or unfazed by what day it is or where they are. Finishing lunch, I make my way back to the Cherokee Lodge, walking down Orange Street, seeing what the main drag of Coronado has to offer. After, what seemed to be a much needed nap, I woke and was ready for dinner. Making my way to the beach, I walked toward the Hotel Del Coronado in search of the Tavern (another recommendation from my Padre Friends). Retiring for the night, I would say so long to Coronado in the morning.

I first couldn’t depart my favorite town of the journey so far, without making another stop to Clayton’s for donuts and obviously an Americano. First stop of the day would be the San Diego Zoo. Lions, Tigers, and Polar Bears? Oh My! There was so much to see, but I think I covered it all. The most popular exhibit of the day was the Gorilla’s, but I enjoyed the Polar Bears the most. One apparently was going through his morning calisthenic routine, squatting, then pushing off a ledge to a point where he somehow had found the perfect place to kick off an adjacent wall to do it all again.

Ready for a bite to eat, we headed for Torrey Pines (home of the 2021 PGA Tour US Open) and the Cliff Hanger Cafe. Enjoying a sandwich, I was interested to see if any gliders would be flying today. Hiking down to Black’s Beach after lunch was a trek, but I safely made it down and back up thanks to a local organization that maintains the steep descent for beachgoers, sunbathers, and surfers alike. Upon my ascent, a few gliders were taking to the skies, so I hung around and watched as they floated off the cliffs and effortlessly soared through the air. Setting the Garmin Overlander (gps) for Laguna Beach, we took the Historic 101, Pacific Coast Highway, passing through many small beach towns that I felt would have been very enjoyable had I had more time. Dinner was just a few blocks away, at “The Cliff,” where I let my waiter decide what I would have for dinner. I’m not completely crazy, he had limitations, as I was only so hungry; but he provided me with just the right amount of sustenance in the Baja Burrito – his favorite.

Today would mark the longest I have continued travel in one state. But first, my morning local coffee roaster ritual. Laguna Coffee Company was just down the street from my hotel, 14 West. After a fresh cup, I walked back along the beach, watching surfers either in competition or lesson, take advantage of a morning set. Today, I had a planned out itinerary – a driving tour of the LA area. Heading north towards Laurel Canyon, I would first make my way across the Vincent Thomas Bridge, made famous in “Gone in 60 Seconds” when Nicholas Cage’s character jumped a Ford Mustang GT500 named Eleanor off a flat bed tow truck to evade police. Crossing the bridge, I spotted a sign for the USS Iowa, a WWII battleship. I couldn’t help myself and stopped. The docents onboard were very helpful to answer all my questions. Continuing north, I headed for SoFi stadium for a pic with Pearl, but the entrance evaded me, so I just kept moving. Wanting a picture of the Hollywood Sign, and to drive down Mulholland Drive, I set tracks to head north, but quickly encountered my nemesis – traffic. It was probably considered light by LA’s standards, but it was traffic to me nonetheless. Getting hungry, and wanting out of traffic, the coast was calling me back. I found, The Warehouse, in Marina Del Rey and sang George Strait in my head the entire time. Having an appointment to make, I needed to get back on the road. I made my way through Venice (unfortunately not able to drive down the boardwalk) and Santa Monica where I picked up California State Route 1, better known as the Pacific Coast Highway (or PCH). Front Runner Outfitters has played a major role in outfitting Pearl for this trip and all future excursions. We had one last package to pick up, a set of Wolfpack Bins, to better keep everything organized. Stopping in and getting to see the showroom, talk with the guys that have helped me out through all this, and chat about trail rigs, places to camp and eat, and the condition of the coastal highway was the highlight of the day. If anyone is looking to outfit their ride with the necessary items to enjoy a road trip, weekend camp getaway, or an overland adventure; they will be able to suit every need you have. Check them out and let them know Stew with the Scout sent you.

Heading back to the PCH, Pearl and I turned right, and set our final destination for Ventura, California. Getting to town, we headed straight for Topa Topa Brewery on E Thompson. Grabbing a few tasty beverages and an amazing burrito from Mom & Pops, I checked into my hotel for the night and got ready for what I hoped would be a journey across the sea to the Channel Islands National Park tomorrow.

Having received an email before bed last night regarding the possible cancellation of ferry services to the Channel Islands, I did not feel great about being able to make it. I woke with another that alerted all passengers that all day trips had been cancelled due to the marine forecast and a gale warning until late in the evening. I had noticed strong winds driving the entire coast this far, but was unaware that it was not normal for this late in the season. Now having a free day, I changed plans, but first headed over to the visitor center and learned everything I could about the Park. Along with hosting many amazing breweries, Ventura is home to Great Pacific Ironworks – the first company Yvon Chouinard launched as a vagabond climber, aiming to make the sport more sustainable and protective of the places we recreate in. Seeing a need for better climbing gear, he started a second company, Patagonia, named for the region in South America where he and many other climbers venture for ultimate adventures. Todays highlight was being able to step foot in the original Patagonia storefront, and while he wasn’t around, it was an incredible experience to shop and support a company which I align my own responsible and sustainable practices with. As an entrepreneur and outdoor enthusiast, Mr Chouinard has been a hero of mine since I began wearing Patagonia Stand Up shorts over a decade ago. Learning more about his theories and practices in business and culture have led me to follow how Patagonia has started and grown to the company it is today. It will be an honor, to one day get to shake the hand of the man that has molded much of how I see the outdoor retail industry.

Making my way downtown, I was surprised to see all the public parking was free. Finding a place to park nearby Main Street. I found my way down to Finney’s Craft & Kitchen. There I made friends with a few more locals, Jeff, Alex (bartender), and Matt, and enjoyed a few pints and bites over some great conversation. With the afternoon passing by, we all said so long and headed in our different directions. Myself and Pearl were making our way for Santa Barbara. Arriving to town, we got checked in and settled. I was able to find a spot to park Pearl right outside, and while I don’t feel uneasy about parking on the street, it makes me feel a little better to have her in site. Still early in the evening, I headed across Cabrillo Blvd and down the pier to Stearns Wharf. Taking in the sites, I basked in the view of sailors enjoying the afternoon winds thinking of my days sailing back on the east coast. Watching a couple fisherman haul up their traps and lines empty of bait, I grabbed a Modelo and Uni (sea urchin) shooter to relish in the Southern California sun. Having noticed my strange order, a gentleman approached me in question to know what I ordered. He (Jeff), would end up being from Kentucky, but comes to Santa Barbara much for work and knows the area well. We would continue our conversation and find our way to Figueroa Mountain Brewery before calling it a night. Planning to visit the Bourbon Trail later this year, Jeff pointed out a few things, and gave me some insight on can’t miss things.

Taking the chance to sleep in, especially after a long night out, I woke around 9 and set off to find yet another local coffee house to support. The Goat Tree, not only being the closest, had the coolest name. Making it back to the hotel for checkout, I took a little time to walk down State Street to see where all the action takes place later in the day. Beginning to feel the hunger set in, I headed for the harbor to eat lunch at Brophy Bros, which was recommended by Jeff (from lunch the day before). Taking in the harbor views, I started with a half dozen oysters on the half shell. One of my favorite things to eat. Again, a song filled my head, as “Tin Cup Chalice” by Jimmy Buffett plays on repeat:

“Give me oysters and beer for dinner every day of the year, And I’ll feel fine, I’ll feel fine.”

Finishing with a bowl of New England Clam Chowder, I said so long to Santa Barbara, and began the trek to San Luis Obispo. Driving the entire length of the PCH has been a dream of mine for so long, and to this point, it has gone very well. GPS directions, unfortunately want you to get to your destination as fast as possible, not usually the scenic route. Having missed a section due to this misalignment with our route, Pearl and I made it to town and checked into the Mission Inn. Having been referred to Central Coast Brewery, I took advantage of being able to walk, I left to grab a few beers before calling it a night. California has so much to offer, in terms of the craft beer scene it sometimes becomes hard to choose which brewery to visit. Thus I will give the brewer a chance to showcase their product and select a drink for me sometimes. So far I have not been let down.

Week 3 Mileage – 662.7