"There's always a sunrise and always a sunset and it's up to you to choose to be there for it."
– Cheryl Strayed
We reflected on our journey as we sat on Cardiff Beach CA finishing our meal at
Pacific Coast Grill as the sun set over the Pacific Ocean. Just three months prior we watched the sun rise over the Atlantic Ocean while having breakfast at
Sliders Seaside Grill overlooking Fernandina Beach FL (check out our
Instagram sunrise clip!) .
Three years ago we could not have imaged this lifestyle we now live... coast to coast sunrises and sunsets... client zoom calls from lush backyard sanctuaries... and fresh seafood from pier to plate!
Because of our seasoning as experienced house sitters, we often are now "temporary locals" for one to two months, so we really get a chance to soak up the local vibes. Knowing where to go for those vibes is often based on the recommendations of 'our neighbors' along with our homeowners' advice. For example, both of the restaurants listed in this blog were recommendations from homeowners as to where to best take in sunrise and sunsets - awesome views!
Back to the beach... when we arrived in Encinitas CA we made a point of heading straight for the coast - Moonlight Beach is one of the more famous in the area with it's wide open views. Then we headed up the coastal highway to Oceanside Pier - no better way to see beaches on either side - along with a gull's eye view of the surfers!
And we have found no better example of how a local lifestyle vibe affects one's physique - it was almost embarrassing to walk through the grocery store - EVERYONE looked and dressed like they had just come from the gym - healthy and not shy to show off their toned muscular limbs!
“I left Chicago many years ago to move to California. You can’t help but live a healthy lifestyle here if you want to fit in. I find myself eating chicken and salad and chicken and salad and salad and chicken, like a monk.” —James Belushi
And while we may not have adopted Jim Belushi's lifestyle of eating like a monk - we skipped the snack food aisle this round, for shame! 😏
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