Gone California

Sometime in the 70's, my mom and dad went to San Luis Obispo, California and stayed in the Madonna Inn. San Luis is roughly halfway between San Francisco and Los Angeles, so I knew I wanted to make a stop here. My parents talked about the Madonna Inn a lot. Each room was done in a different motif. Here is the way the owners describe the Inn: "As an international, landmark destination, the Madonna Inn redefines unique, with 110 whimsical guestrooms, enchanting decor and resort amenities, including a luxurious Spa, horseback riding, boutique shopping, terrace pool and bar, and two award-winning dining experiences." My mom mentioned a room that had rocks as part of its decor. My room was the Time of Your Life. It was done in a New Orleans motif. Check out the masks on the wall! Besides being New Orleans-y, this bed was also very comfortable. Even the bathroom got into the swing of things. Including the f...

One of my objectives on this trip was to drive down Highway 1, the scenic road that runs along much of the coast of California. It's one of the great American highways. I didn't realize how remote, twisty-turvy, and steep  the road would be. The only times I felt anxious were driving on this road. I was often out of cell phone range. Hats off to my Nissan Sentra, which never let me down. It also got great gas mileage. The road hugs the Pacific.  As I looked over the vastness of the Pacific, I thought about how it is the largest entity on earth. It covers 30 percent of the earth's surface. Some of the roads I took veered off through the mountains and Los Padres National Forest. Some people prefer the mountains. And some people prefer the ocean. California has it all. Sometimes on the same day. This view reminded me of Ireland: cows by the ocean. As I thought about the Pacific, I hearken...

When I was planning this little California getaway, I thought it would be nice to make a retreat. So I did some googling, and discovered the New Camaldoli Hermitage at Big Sur. I registered for two overnights. Off of Hwy 1, I took a two mile road that at times seemingly went straight up. I said to myself, "This is like driving to heaven!" See what I mean? For the next couple of days, this room was my home. It was a silent retreat, though retreatents are welcome to join the monks for Mass, morning, noon, and evening prayer, which I did. I read, wrote, prayed, and had my meals here. I also went on several walks. The scenery is stunning. Big Sur really is one of the most beautiful places on earth, where one feels moved to give thanks to God for creation. Sometimes I couldn't tell where the ocean ended and the sky began. This bell rang five minutes before prayer was to begin. The chapel was sim...