Day 1 in San Fran!
Early start today! 8am flight from JFK so up by 5.30am - ouch! Even more ouch considering had only got back in from the UK just before midnight yesterday! But managed to drag myself out of bed and onto my jetBlue flight for the 6hr coast to coast trek. Landed in San Francisco at half 11, then picked up bags and headed, via Airtrain and shuttle, to the car rental place. The weather was absolutely GORGEOUS - beautifully clear and sunny day and WARM, WARM, WARM!!! 60 degrees! Drove north along Highway 101, through SF and before i knew it, found myself crossing the Golden Gate bridge! Very cool indeed - was singing "Unwritten" at the top of my voice and it felt gooooood!! Felt very happy and content with life - as it should be. Stopped and took a few pics at the lookout point - was v lucky as it was a completely clear day. I remember the last time i was in SF, the bridge was almost completely shrouded in cloud, so this was a real treat.

Then, back in the car to start the Pacific Coast Highway adventure proper as i dropped onto Highway 1. Very windy, twisty road taking me through some of the most stunning scenery anywhere - LOVE IT!! Drove for about half an hour before stopping in Muir Woods National Monument and my first experience of the Redwood forest. Just a short 1hr trail through the woods - very touristy but still stunning to see some of these amazing trees at close hand. Am going on another, less busy trail tomorrow, through the Armstrong Pack woods - according to the front desk guy, a very moving, almost spiritual experience.

After Muir Woods, time to continue drive up to Guerneville. Stopped for coffee and pizza at this fab little restaurant - got chatting to the owner who was telling me about his problems with his starter dough! A rather different work-related problem to the ones i face in the office! The drive - with multiple photo stops, despite Sam not being around any more - took longer than anticipated, so it was well after dark before i reached my hotel. Staying at the West Sonoma Inn and Spa and its excellent! Got an enormous suite, with real working fireplace, kitchen area, massive bed and really nicely done out. Well - after the crappy couple of weeks i've had, i bloody well deserve to treat myself!!

OK - time for bed now - can't wait for tomorrow's adventures!! Goodnight!