Last year, when there was a whole lot of uncertainty on covid vaccines, especially for kids, we decided to take our chances and bring the family to L.A. Turned out to be a good call as we got our Pfizer jabs the day after we arrived without any hassle. The next few weeks, we isolated in our air BNB, careful not to interact until we felt we had enough time to build our immunity. As expected, after a while, we started to go crazy so we decided to finally get some fresh air. I took a rental and googled a short drive we can do along the iconic Pacific Coast Highway. We enjoyed it so much that we decided to do it again this year!
Thankfully, this year’s version came in spring (vs summer last time) and so the weather was just perfect , hovering between 13%-23% C depending on location and time of day. We took exactly the same route but with quite a few interesting differences. First of, my youngest daughter is now a feisty year and a half old with the patience of a hungry bear. As well, my sister and my aunt decided to join the trip, making us a party of 7 vs 4.5 last year. I took a minivan this time (Chrysler Pacifica) , and it turned out to be the best decision ever made. Despite the soccer mom look, it gave us enough space and comfort to really enjoy the full day trip.
The plan was to start early from LA, passing Santa Monica and stopping in 2 destinations: El Matador Beach in Malibu, and the charming Danish town of Solvang. We did a Walmart run the night before, stocked up on drinks and snacks, and I cooked a hearty pinoy sopas to start us right in the morning.
I’ve always loved driving. Back in the day, I would be behind the wheel from Manila to Pagudpud or Fort Ilocandia, stopping only to eat and do bathroom breaks. Driving on the PCH was a treat in comparison, so I really didn’t mind not having a sub.
We pushed off at 6:30 , much later than we intended, but with a baby in tow I’d still consider it a win. The freeway was still devoid of the usual LA traffic, and once we passed Sant Monica, it was a breeze. The signboards describe the drive best: “MALIBU: 27 miles of scenic beauty!” No lies detected there, and I must say, not just in malibu but the whole PCH!
We passed Pepperdine University in all its manicured beauty just A few minutes from El Matador Beach. I wonder how the students are able to focus, with such a majestic view of the coast right outside their windows!
We arrived on our first stop at around 8am, just when the officials were opening the gates to visitors. Spring sure does color our world differently. There were all sorts of flowers in yellow, purple , red, and I even saw a wild rabbit munching on the newly emerged greens. There really are no words to describe the beauty, so I wont even try.
We sat on a picnic table, hundreds of feet above the pristine beach, wind in our face and only the sound of the waves and birds to hear. It was the perfect place to do absolutely nothing!
3 hours later we pulled up in Solvang, eager to sample the assortment of pastries this Danish town had to offer. The drive leading to the town is quite surreal. From empty meadows, and the occasional tree, all of a sudden windmills and charming cottages lined up to welcome you, complete with horse drawn carriages and the frenetic vibe of any European tourist town.
While we enjoyed the place thoroughly, the law of averages started catching up on us ; one of my daughters got lost in the shops, and my little one started to throw tantrums and let the whole town know about it!
We then decided to pack up an call it a day. The rest of the story is how any roadtrip ends: 6 passengers asleep and 1 driver sometimes asleep on a long slow drive back😊
*Lats year, I brought the Baume et Mercier vintage Chrono. This time, I had my Agimat and Ahon on both wrists to mark this perfect day😊
