Convalescing on the California Coast

I’ve been sick a lot lately. More this year than the several previous years combined.

Nothing deadly, but a particularly vicious stomach flu and several colds, which all seem to manifest themselves in the same cycle of sore throat, then a simultaneous cough and running nose. I’ve been taking my vitamins and haven’t really been traveling any more this year than in years past (not that ~200K miles is anything to scoff at). So I guess I’ll just blame one-year-old Augustine, who has picked up his fair share of colds this year then passed them on to me!

But the last month has been bad. The flu sandwiched by two extended colds has meant I’ve rarely stopped coughing or taking tissue along wherever I go.

Rather than an exotic post-Thanksgiving trip, I figured something (relatively) close and relaxing would be the best prescription to ditching my cold. Plus, my wife loves nature.

Thus, I’ve been in Carmel, California enjoying views like this since Friday–

Alas, the trip ends today. I’ll have a separate post on the Hyatt Carmel Highlands, but my family and I love this property.

We began the trip driving up US-101, stopping in Solvang, a kitschy Danish village. I loved going there as a child and wanted to show it to my wife. Surprisingly, she enjoyed it and even told me, “It felt like I was in Europe.” But it was overrun with tourists and extremely crowded. We dined at a “traditional” Danish smorgasbord and our stop broke the 5.5 hour drive up to Carmel nicely.

My house in LA has a fireplace, but we never use it. Here in Carmel our room has a wood-burning fireplace and we have been using it around the clock.

The weather has alternated between beautiful clear blue skies (Heidi’s favorite) and misty gray gloom (my favorite). It has been a great time of good meals, hiking, and many coffee shops. Taking Augustine out to dinner is simply not pleasant these days, so I’m also thankful our room at the Hyatt has a full kitchen.

Oh, but we did have one particularly great meal out…at a hole-in-the-wall BBQ joint in Pacific Grove, CA. Wow, this was great.

Best of all? I’m feeling much better. The fresh air, reduced stress, and change of venue have helped.

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