Cardiff-By-The-Sea

Last weekend I took the train down South to visit my wonderful friend Kim. I had almost forgotten how much I love the train. Truly, I would take the train everywhere if I could. There is something so soothing and romantic about this mode of transportation. The car has it's obvious flaws, such as having to be conscious to ensure forward motion. And flying since 911 is a nightmarish ordeal that takes at least a day. But the train? It is so easy and relaxed, like the stoner friend of mass transit. You don't even have to book ahead most of the time, just show up. Perfection. I even love the long corridors that take you to your platforms...

Getting on from here continues to be easy. No security, no lines, no seating assignments. Just haul your bags up to your seat, any one you like, sit back and enjoy the ride. A gentle rocking begins as the wheels start turning and this is exactly when I get up, go down stairs to the cafe car and purchase a cold beer. Ahh. At this point in this particular train ride I sat back in my luxuriously large seat, picked up my book and sipped my beer as we rumbled down the coast. That rhythmic rocking always reminds me of being a little girl taking the train with my dad from Klamath Falls Or to Whitefish Mt to visit my brother. Now thats a train ride, about 30 hours long! Anyhow, it was only two short hours until I arrived in Solana Beach where I found Kim's beautiful smiling face waiting for me.

What a wonderful weekend we had! We drank wine on the roof of her new home

as we watched the sun set

We walked on the beach

and had breakfast at a local hot spot
What an absolutely gorgeous place

filled with plenty of blue seas
green leaves

and bugs the same color

as the sunset

Thank you, THANK YOU my darling Kim for such a wonderful little escape.