Highway Reflections: A 101 State of Mind

The southern California stretch of Highway 101 from LA to SF isn't just a road; it's a timeline of memories. This weekend's journey was no exception, with traffic setting the stage for a musing-filled drive.

Leaving LA, we hit the usual slow pockets until Oxnard. A drag? Sure. But there's an upside to crawling along at 40 mph: our SUV's fuel gauge barely budged for over 250 miles. Who needs a hybrid when you've got California traffic, right?

The slow pace wasn't all bad. It felt less frenzied, more... contemplative. Perfect for summer break musings about adventures past and present.

Post-Oxnard, the central coast beckoned. This is where the 101 really shines. We love pointing out the lesser-known towns we've explored over the years. Goleta, home to that surprising ramen find. The Santa Barbara Blueberries farm near Nojoqui Falls - because why not? And my personal favorite: that endless stretch of vineyards and mountain ranges between Los Alamos and Santa Maria. Pure California gold.

Creatures of habit, we made our usual pit stop in San Luis Obispo (SLO). Whole Foods lunch? Check. A little shopping? Check. And then came the delightful. Post-lunch, I was surprised with a little brown bag. Inside? My favorite: an almond horn. These little road trip indulgences are what memories are made of.

Speaking of memories, remember Soledad? That tiny town where we ticked off one of the last California Missions on our list. And more recently, we went back to the area to check out Los Coches Adobe, the reputed haunted property that served as a stage coach stop in the mid-to-late 1800's? Each exit on this highway holds a story, a memory of curiosity or necessity.

After 30 years, this road has seen us through distances both literal and metaphorical. Sometimes it's just a rush to the destination; something to endure. But not this time. This weekend, the 101 was a gentle reminder of the journey itself.

As the Bay Area's fog greeted us, I couldn't help but reflect. This ribbon of asphalt isn't just connecting two cities. It's connecting moments in our lives, strung together like the towns along its path. In the end, it's not about the mph, but the memories per hour. And on the 101, those are always plentiful - sometimes, they're even wrapped in a little brown bag.