Proud to be a lefty

Posted on August 16, 2016 by Badge415

What does it mean to be left handed in a right handed world? Well, it means no one understands you. It also means people look at you funny when you write something in front of them.

It also means all of the spoons are turned the “wrong” way at the buffet line and at the frozen yogurt shop. If you’re left handed you know what I’m talking about.

Last month I was in San Francisco when I visited a left handed store on Pier 39 called “Lefty’s.” It’s a fun store to visit because everything in there just makes sense. Even spiral notebooks are on the right side in there.

So, If you ever get a chance make sure to visit Lefty’s. If you’re left handed you’ll laugh at some of the stuff that right handed people just don’t understand.

As for the spoons at the yogurt shop and the buffet. I always put them on the left side just in case a left handed person happens to come up after me.

It’s the least I can to for a fellow lefty.

Pigeon Point

Posted on July 17, 2016 by Badge415

The other day I left Monterey, CA and headed to San Francisco for a few days. This was the last leg of a 9 day summer road trip. Instead of taking a faster route, I decided to take California State Route 1 along the coast. I knew it was going to add extra time, but it would be worth it.

Along the way I saw a lighthouse in the distance. I had no idea which one it was, but I knew I was going to stop. As I got closer, I saw a sign that said Pigeon Point Light Station State Historic Park.

I turned off the road and headed toward a small dirt and gravel parking lot. There were about ten cars there and a few people walking around.

I got out of my car and was surprised at how windy it was. The sky was overcast along the coast, but there was a hint of blue to the east. The lighthouse had a chain link fence around it and was closed to the public. The white paint was showing its age and was in need of a facelift. The sign in front said the property was owned by the state and there were plans for a restoration.

There was a pathway from the lighthouse between two buildings to a cliff. I walked that way and was rewarded with a spectacular view of the rocky coast with its crashing waves and strong wind. It was truly an amazing place to be.

It turned out the location was named after an old ship that ran aground off the coast in 1853. The ship’s name was Carrier Pigeon and the area was named Pigeon Point in honor of her. The lighthouse was first lit in 1872 and at 115 feet is one of the tallest in the United States.

I’m glad I stopped. You just never know what you’re going to run across on a road trip. It’s not the destination that’s important. It’s the journey.

The Mystery Spot

Posted on July 15, 2016 by Badge415

Have you ever heard of The Mystery Spot? Up until the other day, I hadn’t. Last weekend we were in San Jose watching the U.S. Women’s Olympic Gymnastic Trials when my son Googled “things to do.” That’s when he found a place called The Mystery Spot.

On Monday we left San Jose and drove southbound on Highway 17 toward Santa Cruz on our way to Monterey. The four-lane highway twisted and turned as we drove through a forest area. I exited the highway and drove by redwood trees that stretched up high into the sky. The area was just amazing.

After many turns and curves we finally arrived at The Mystery Spot. They claim the area is a “gravitational anomaly” and “you will be stunned as your perceptions of the laws of physics and gravity are questioned.”

Basically everything is tilted and it messes with your head as you try to stay balanced. Don’t try and figure it out. Just have a good time and enjoy the corny jokes as the tour guide tells the story about the area and why it’s so mysterious.

Admission was only $8 per person, so it won’t break the bank. It was worth the price because my family had a good time.

So, if you ever find yourself in Santa Cruz or San Jose with some time to kill, take a little detour to The Mystery Spot. I guarantee you’ll smile and laugh.