The anticipation was palpable for weeks, an imaginary sweet and tangy amuse bouche on the tip of my tongue. It was A dream come true – my birthday destination vacation. My 52nd year on this planet. I was ready. I was excited. I was thrilled.
We drove up from LA, Highway 1 all the way to arrive at an earthly paradise called The Post Ranch Inn. The route’s terrain is vast, rugged, angry; the road insisting on yielding into the mountainside. Highway 1 stretches out for miles, carved out in a zig zag of magnificent engineering. The engine gobbled up the road, hungry for corners, curves and speed. The wind in our hair, the sun on our smiling faces – life is great.
On this drive, lunch is Mandatory at Naptenthe. The blue jays greeted us like old pals and we sat, sipped and laughed, the mighty Pacific lulling, glistening and captivating. Next stop was the Inn and as we entered property, the serenity welcomed us with earth toned structures, deer quietly grazing on the path. Every angle seemed to melt into the earth, into the sky and best of all, into the sea……….
It was my birthday and I wanted to bask in every moment, in other words, milk it every chance I got, and I had many such milk-able moments, starting with an amazing facial and body massage. As I was lathered, scrubbed, adorned and smoothed, I’d grab a quick peek into the forest that was our weekend sanctuary. Ken was relaxing at the basking pool while the years were melting off my face.
Our room was called Fee, after Dolores and her husband, pioneers in Big Sur.
The room had a masculine air; dark earthen walls; wood and stone, cement, burnt Sienna and greys. The Bed was appropriately positioned facing the Sea. The huge sliding windows equipped with electronic shade, muting the views, not obliterating. Swinging saloon doors yielded to the bath room, grey toilet, grey towels.
Off of the living room The stainless steel infinity hot tub beckoned us. Every line was a curve and the patio held hands with sea. A stag woke me from my revery. He was as calm and still as the blades he was feasting upon. The in room music system pulsed softly to Buddha Bar tunes. Yes, I was in heaven.
The Sun was actually waiting for us to set. The huge shower with a view to the sea, reflections of the sea prepared us for the festivities to come. The dinner, my birthday dinner at Sierra Mar was here. It was time and I couldn’t wait.
Our table was seemingly suspended over the Pacific Ocean. The whales breached on cue. The sunset was more glorious than Mother Nature could have possibly intended. The 9 course tasting menu and bottle of Borolo, the gifts and excitement left me beyond giddy.
The days blended together as the pines, the rocks, clouds floated harmoniously with the sea.
Bubbles were drunk, we were drunk with love, drunk with the sublime scenery and each other.
