Travelogue: June 1-5, 2022

Westport, CA (population 200 and change) is about as sleepy a town as it gets along the Northern California coast. 120ish miles due North and 2 hrs, 40 minutes travel time from home — depending on your angle of attack. The scenic, jogging and twisting inland route or straight up the edge of the continent on California's iconic Highway 1.

On this quick four-night run, we were joined by Carol's neice Terri, sister Joan and her husband Ted. We split our time with two days at Hendy Woods State Park, a prestine 2nd growth Redwood grove and a couple more nights at Abalone Point Campground, just past Westport. Our roundtrip route also included all the usual bonus bingo and mandatory stops. Anderson Valley's quirky Boonville, the beloved Mendocino, vernerable 'ole Fort Bragg and the still up-and-coming Hopland (McDowell Valley Wine Applelation).

Travel Notes:

• We enjoyed glorious weather and non-existant crowds at both Hendy Woods and Westport. Come summer vacations, that'll all change soon enough.
• All the aforementioned mentioned towns appear to be rebounding nicely from the Covid hammering— although as we all know it ain't over till it's over.
• Near Westport we noticed the relatively new Inn at Newport Ranch.— One of several high end B&B/restaurants that are popping up along the coastal cliffs off Highway 1. It's an impressive looking compound (from the road) with a contemporaryfarm house vibe. And with rooms starting at $600/night (2 nights min.) no need (of course) to ask about the price of the dinner appetizer plater of Abalone, Osetra Caviar, Uni, Duck Liver, Pacific Gold Oyster ; ). Next time we're in the area, we'll settle for the quick lunch, emersion/experience perhaps.