beyond the dogpark - outline Chapter 13:  Northern California Coast
September 27 - October 10, 2002
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beyond the dogpark Griffin and I spend two weeks traveling California's coastal highway.  Near San Luis Obispo, we set out on a trail run but turn back in terror when we encounter a fist-sized tarantula.  We camp on a steep grade above the waters of Big Sur-- I block the wheels of The Chief in defiance of a downhill pull toward a tall cliff.  We visit the National Steinbeck Organization in Salinas where I see "Rocinante," the camper that Steinbeck and his dog Charley lived in while they toured the States forty years ago.

We spend two days in Santa Cruz and I recollect visiting the town fifteen years prior while following the Grateful Dead.  We camp for several days in Half Moon Bay where pumpkins are the primary crop and Halloween sales are in full swing.  From Half Moon Bay, I commute to San Francisco to run in a race from the Oakland Bridge to the Golden Gate Bridge.  I pick up friends Jon and Carrie at the airport and continue north to Fort Bragg.  We visit with Carrie's family, which includes three recently-adopted Ethiopian children.
all materials (c) 2003, Paul A. Brown