Pacific Coast Road

“Look at that sea, girls–all silver and shadow and vision of things not seen. We couldn’t enjoy its loveliness any more if we had millions of dollars and ropes of diamonds.” ― L.M. Montgomery, in Anne of Green Gables

For the last two weeks of December, it was my dream to drive the Pacific coast road between San Francisco and San Diego.  As I was busy searching for places to stay, I was guided not to make reservations.  I have always felt more comfortable knowing where I would stay, but I was willing to be open to an unfolding adventure. And so, I was available when I received an invitation to visit fellow Connection Practice trainer, Carolyn Janson, at her home in Concord, California. We had not met, but she knew of me from my work on the Connection Practice children’s curriculum.  She is also an experienced HeartMath Trainer and Coach.  We connected immediately.  I learned so much from her, and together we upgraded the text of Corey’s Peaceful Heart.  It will be so much better because of her input and it is lovely to have a new friend.

As I left Concord, Carolyn directed me through San Francisco, so I could see the new bridge, and so I wouldn’t miss any of the beaches.  Though there were tense moments on the freeway, it was so interesting to see the bay, the geography and the multitude of homes climbing the seven hills.  I was excited to reach highway 101 and begin my Pacific coast journey.

The drive took me along rocky beaches, mountain bluffs, wide valleys, flat sandy beaches and through coastal towns – both large and small.

For the first two days, I experienced cold rain and foggy, and winds so strong I thought I might blow out to sea when I stopped to take pictures.  I delighted in the agricultural fields that extended right to the beach – and especially in watching the light at play on the water.

In Monterey I visited Cannery Row and the Aquarium, drove the 17-mile road to Pebble Beach, Asilomar Beach and the quaint Pacific Grove community.  I planned my stay to be able to attend services at the Unity church on the Sunday before Christmas.

I explored the beach at Carmel during flood stage, was delighted with the mountains and forests of Big Sur, and visited the historic mission in Santa Barbara as it was being decorated for Christmas services.

By the time I got to Malibu the sun was shining and the 27 miles of beaches were fully populated with Christmas vacationers.

I snuggled in to an Airbnb condo in Culver City, for Christmas.  It was good to relax, do a bit of cooking and watch Christmas movies.  The highlight was to attend two services at the Agape International Spiritual Center.  I have long followed the work of spiritual director, Michael Bernard Beckwith.   Both Christmas Eve and Sunday services were inspiration, with Broadway quality music under the direction of Rickie Byers Beckwith.  Past and current services are available for livestreaming at www.agapelive.com

Durning my stay in Encinitas I spent a morning at the beach and the beautiful Self-Realization Meditation Garden and in the afternoon drove to Del Mar to visit my fabulous artist friend, Roberta Veatch.  We met at Jean Houston’s Salon in Ashland last August.

After a visit to San Diego, my late husband raved about the beauty there,  so I finished my ocean drive with a morning exploring the Old Town Park with its old fort, Mormon memorial and views to the Pacific.  I treated myself to lunch at the hotel in  Historic Old Town before heading east across the desert to Sedona, Arizona.