I am very fortunate to live in the state of California and even more fortunate that I have a friend who lives on the coast. Last weekend, I was able to spend the weekend at her house in Half Moon Bay for the weekend of the Maverick’s surfing competition. Every time I visit her, I feel like I am taking a mini vacation full of beach, sun, seafood, laughter and often hiking, biking & more!
Does it get any better?
This last Sunday was the famous surfing competition that hasn’t taken place since 2010. Normal years, people come from all over the world to watch and compete in this competition. On Saturday, my friend and I rode our bikes along the beach, then down to the harbor to rent stand-up paddle boards (something I wanted to try from my bucket list!). I wanted to try it because it looks so peaceful and fun. As soon as I got on, though, I realized that this activity was one that seemed like a fun idea, but in reality (like snowboarding) isn’t for me. I ended up falling in the water! Oh well, that’s what trying new things is for – to find out what you do and don’t like! Afterwards, we went to a restaurant to have margaritas and watch the sunset, then bought fresh crab and had a seafood feast! Yum!
Maverick’s day was full of people-watching and beautiful weather. This time, we walked down to the beach. As a “rogue wave” injured spectators in 2010, the contest had not been held since then, and spectators were not allowed on the beach. There was an area set up behind a brewery with a large screen playing live footage from the competition. Regardless, the vibe was electric with excitement with surfer-types young and old. Everyone surfed their hearts out on waves up to 30 feet. One top finalist, Peter Mel and 5 other finalists were named.
My Martin Luther King Jr Day (I actually got the day off of work!) was spent bike riding along the beach exploring trails, walking on the beach looking for cool sea shells and people watching. I topped it off with a delicious bowl of seafood chowder and a glass of Chardonnay before heading home (despite wanting to stay!) I felt rejuvenated after the weekend. I am so grateful that I live so close to such a beautiful place and that I have a friend who is willing to share the beautiful place she calls home with me!
Where is your nearby “staycation” spot?
beach reflected in my bike mirror
Have Life, Will Travel! 
Wow, that sounds like the perfect vacation! My family and I love North Myrtle Beach here in S. Carolina. We go there every year the week after school lets out for the summer. My boys are so happy and free there, and we always have a great time.
Cheers, Bill
That’s so great! I have many fond memories of summers weekends spent on the coast =D It’s good that you are passing that along to your boys!
I grew up on the coast, though nowhere as pretty as California. Thanks for sharing. Love the pictures
Thanks so much! I connect so much with the ocean, regardless of where it is, so I am sure where you grew up was great as well 🙂
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What a wonderful weekend! I love the photo of the sunset reflected in your glasses. Umm, does your own city count as a stay-cation spot? Just wandering around new (to me) parts of NYC can feel like a bit of a vacation, which is quite convenient. 🙂
That is actually the definition of a “stay-cation”! When you take time away to explore somewhere in your own city or close to you. I bet you could explore NYC forever!