We left Chicago in snow flurries (-7C) and arrived in balmy San Francisco (16C) where we immediately felt at home: gum trees, harbour views and hills - a welcome change from the flatness of Chicago. We are staying with our dear old friends Ray and Gary in San Mateo, about half an hour south of SF downtown, in their top floor apartment with great views in three directions.
Yesterday they drove us down to see the top section of the spectacular Big Sur coastline, still not open all the way to LA after landslides earlier in the year. A bit of walking, a lazy lunch with a view, and a drive around the famous 17 mile drive from Carmel by the Sea - a playground for the super rich. I am loving the warmth, but wish I had brought some shorts and T-shirts!