The California Coast

The Northern California coast is our favorite place to retreat when the hectic life in the Bay Area becomes too much for us. Although some of the towns that ride the coastline have become so touristy that they’re best avoided, we’ve found havens even in places like Bodega Bay, Mendocino, and Fort Bragg.

For sheer enjoyment of the massive, always-changing Pacific, though, Gualala has been our destination of choice for many years. The lodge where we stay has only 16 rooms in all, each with its own balcony overlooking the Gualala river where it flows into the Pacific, and the sea beyond. The rooms also have fireplaces, and a two-person whirlpool tub in the bath, also with a window looking out to the spectacular view. Did I mention free champagne? The best feature by far, though is the fact that there are NO telephones in the rooms. One can use a pay phone in the vending machine room, or a cell phone (provided you’re facing in exactly the right direction.

The 4-hour drive to Gualala from our home is awesome, especially in a Corvette ZO6 with a former road-racer at the wheel. (How do you spell “white-knuckle ride?”) Often deer (we call them “Judies” – long story) can be seen near the side of the road. One section bears caution, because the free-grazing cattle wander right into the narrow, two-lane road, and THEY have the right-of-way. They’ll look you right in the eye as they stroll complacently in front of your car, placidly chewing their cud.

My calendar at home is measured between trips to this wonderland, and coming home always provides the impetus to plan the next trip.