Santa Barbara was hard to leave, so we lingered.
I woke up early, finally checked in with work, and listened in on our director’s meeting. Afterward, Kelly and I walked to Dune Coffee, where the baristas had just won the SCA Barista Championship. It felt special to be in a place that valued craft and excellence.
Back at the hotel, I went for a run. This time, I turned right instead of left—and what a choice. The route led me along the Pacific, past a public pool, and onto one of the most stunning coastal paths I’ve ever seen. The sea was calm, the sun was shining, and the air was fresh. I thought about how many of life’s decisions are as simple as choosing left or right, never knowing where they’ll lead. This one felt like a gift.
Before heading out of town, we made a stop at a local surf shop. As a family, we’ve found that retail experiences spark inspiration and lead to conversations that ultimately impact our coffee business.
From Santa Barbara, we drove up the 101 toward Salinas, awed by the endless miles of farmland stretching through the valley.
That night, our campsite was set among dunes just off the Pacific. We arrived just in time for an unbelievable sunset, followed by a surf and turf dinner.
Before dinner, we took care of the truck—an oil change at nearly 4,000 miles and another stop at a DIY car wash to power spray off the bugs. These quick car washes had become an unexpected but deeply satisfying ritual.
