We rented a car this morning and we were heading North.
We crossed over the majestic Golden Gate Bridge. It is even more impressive driving across it.
Shortly there after, we veered off the main highway and took Highway 1, that hugs the coast. Who would have thought how winding it could be. More often than not, we were forever turning back and forth as we climbed and descended various hills and mountains. But the views were spectacular.
Each twist of the road opened another vista to enjoy. Several times we had to stop to really appreciate the rugged coastline.
At one point, we started to see places offering Bar-B-Q'ed oysters. We decided to stop at one, that was quite full, and ordered a plate, as well as their local vegetable clam chowder. The Bar-B-Q'ed oysters were delicious, covered in a tomato sauce and garlic, but I prefer them raw. While good, the sauce over powered the delicate flavor of the oyster.
I was very happy that I ordered the vegetable clam chowder. It was an unique chowder that was delicious. I am so used to the common Boston creamy clam chowder, whereas this was closer to a vegetable soup with the added flavors of clams.
We kepted driving north along highway 1, but we knew we had to turn back. A road, highway 128, cut east from the tiny 2 lane winding road called highway 1, to the main highway, the 101. I had assummed it would be much less winding, but I was wrong. It took had switchbacks galore. No sooner had we finished one set of sharp turns, that another set presented itself.
At least the views were different, as we wound our way through thick serene forests, to fields of vineyards and grazing livestock.
As we approached San Francisco, we had a race against time. We listened to the traffic reports, the traffic was light, but the bridge would close between 9 and 10 pm for the fireworks. We figured we would be on the bridge by 8:30, when we started to hit some traffic. The four lanes were slowly reduced down to one lane, only to be opened up to four lanes a bit further.
We made back across the bridge. The bay was full of boats, people lined along the marina. Had their been any parking, we would have loved to have stopped to watch the fireworks for the Golden Gate's 75th Anniversary. But that would not be.
We made it home. The steep climb felt so much easier this time. But then again, we were driving.
Cheers,
Hera & Anthony
