Bolinas, or We find the unfindable and are handsomely rewarded


On Saturday, we drove up up the coast to visit Morgan’s family in Bolinas. We Google-mapped the directions and set out along CA-1, twisting and turning along the coastal cliffs and driving and driving and wow it really felt like we had driven a long time, much too long a time actually but we certainly did not pass the road because we’ve all been watching, how did that happen? Of course we had driven much too far and had to turn around and then around again because didn’t you know? The road to beautiful Bolinas is unmarked! Once we arrived we were told that this is no accident. In fact, locals have torn down every single sign marking the way that has ever been put in place.

Once we arrived it made sense of course. It’d be crazy not to want this sweet town all to yourself. We walked the block to the beach and spread out a blanket to read while Morgan caught up with her family.

I spent a full half hour just watching this amazing dog chase seagulls.

He ran back and forth the full length of the beach and jumped and jumped and jumped.

The fact that the gulls were always at least 20 feet above even his highest jump did not phase him in the least.

Though this picture is a bit blurry, it is by far my favorite one I caught of him.

He looks so serene, except for that whole flying through midair part.

Steve watched the surfers enviously while I pretended to read/napped and once the sun dropped, we walked shoeless back to the house for dinner with the family. Every time I meet more of Morgan’s family it feels like getting together with old friends and sharing a meal with them was delightful.

The food was delicious, though I think any food would taste amazing on these handpainted dishes.

Penny’s daughter is an artist who made every single one. She was quick to assure us that these were embarassing and her worst work (hence why they ended up at her mom’s house, I suppose). But if these are her worst, man, I would really love to see her best!


Almost all the food was straight from the garden and then NYF (aka hippie dust) and fresh garlic oil were passed around the table, which took me straight back to my Oberlin co-op days and made me sigh just a bit.

If they’ll have us, we’ll be back soon.