Muir Beach Overlook

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This is a must-see stop if you’re driving up Highway 1. You walk out on this path which has spectacular views no matter which way you look. Photos and a video are below:

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Breakfast in Sausalito CA

Fabulous breakfast by the water in the quaint town of Sausalito which is a few exits past the Golden Gate Bridge. You can park by the harbor and walk to many shops and restaurants. It’s a very charming place to visit.

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Highway 1 North: Golden Gate

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It’s about 60 degrees and not a cloud in the sky. After driving through the hills and dales of San Francisco (why you have to drive through the city to get to the Golden Gate Bridge is just beyond me) we are here! Because its early there are very few people (nice). Here are some photos before I got there:

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Look Mom! No cavities!!!! 😉
And some photos when I got to the other side.

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This statue is there to honor the National Guard.

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Off to our next stop!

Highway 1 North, First Stop: Starbucks!

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It’s 6:30am and we are in the road! Well, almost. We had to stop for a road joe as my sister calls it, at Starbucks. I’m blogging live so you’ll experience the trip with me.

We are on a “no reservations” adventure up the Pacific Coast. Next stop is the Golden Gate Bridge! Then I want to take you on a back road along the cliffs that overlook the ocean, that I’ve never driven.

As my Dad always says “every minutes a mile” so lets hit the road!

Spontaneous Road Trip up Highway 1

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Tomorrow morning we are hitting the road!!! Where you may ask? I’m not exactly sure but I know we’ll leave early. I also know I want to take us over the Golden Gate Bridge, up highway 1 and then just head north…having no idea where we’ll end up.

Knowing me we’ll be on the road early and should have our first glimpse of the ocean by 8/9am. I can’t wait to smell the ocean, watch the sunrise and sip my cup of Starbucks…all at the same time.

For this trip we have no reservations. I have no idea where we’ll be tomorrow night and actually no idea how long we’ll drive. 2 days, a week???? Who knows!

Here are some places we might visit. If you have a vote then chime in and write me a comment. Bodega Bay, Mendocino, Clear Lake, Avenue of the Giants, Mt Shasta, Ashland, OR, Napa Valley/Sonoma for some wine tasting??? Living in Nor CAL there are a lot of choices. I feel very lucky and blessed.

I’m off to bed but will see you in the morning…. Bright and early! Sweet dreams and get ready for a fun adventure!!!

The Golf Club at Boulder Ridge

Boulder Ridge Golf Course at Sunset
Boulder Ridge Golf Course at Sunset

A couple of nights ago I discovered a hidden, private golf course located in Almaden Valley in Northern California – The Boulder Ridge Golf Club. Because it’s a members-only club I felt fortunate to have this special opportunity to take a peek during a two part adventure: A sunset drive in a golf cart so I could shoot some of the photos you see here…and a fabulous dinner.

Although you’re right in the middle of Almaden Valley, you feel like you’re in another world. Since it’s a private club I thought it would be fun to take you on a photo tour so you can get a “behind the scene” view of this stunning course.

One of the first things you’ll notice are the beautiful hills which give you the most amazing views at sunset.

Photogirltravels.com: Photography by Shelley D SprayThis is driving range where you’ll find stacked balls in the shape of a pyramid. I have no idea who does that but what a job. (You can just barely see them in the photo.)

Photogirltravels.com: Photography by Shelley D Spray

Photogirltravels.com: Photography by Shelley D SprayOn the road driving in…

Photogirltravels.com: Photography by Shelley D Spray

You’ll also find a Pavilion where they hold parties, weddings, events and the view is spectacular. The photo shows the approach to the Pavilion along with my faithful driver, who patiently waited while I snapped a few 😉

Bolder Ridge Pavillion
Boulder Ridge Pavilion

When you arrive at the Pavilion you’ll see this walkway out to where they hold events and weddings. You can see the chairs lined up over on the right. I’m sure there’s not a bad seat in the house.

Photogirltravels.com: Photography by Shelley D SprayThere are also a number of areas where you can sit and have a drink…I don’t believe helmets are required but I would keep an eye out for a random ball – especially if someone like me is playing.

Photogirltravels.com: Photography by Shelley D SprayThis photo was taken outside of the bar / restuarant where there is a cozy patio where you can watch the sunset and sip a glass of wine.

Photogirltravels.com: Photography by Shelley D SprayAnd finally, our fabulous dinner. Filet mignon with a special sauce, risotto (which was amazing), mashed potatoes and veggies. The spinach salad was great too (sorry, no pic). A special thanks to my most excellent tour guide. What a fabulous adventure! 😉

And finally, the bar/restuarant.

About the Club:

Their website: www.boulderridgegolfclub.com

Also, a special thanks to Sandie Weis, the Director of Food and Beverage and her team for the fabulous service – and of course our bartender Tracie (and Lisa too!)

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