Recently, I’ve realized that the further I go away from home, the more people marvel at the trip I’ve done. I was raised in Southern California, a place I consider one of the best on the globe. Stephan Figueiredo is from Brazil and has spent most of his life in Hawaii without ever getting to know California. After traveling so much to places outside of California, I decided it was time to dig for treasure in my own backyard and show him what the meaning of “The Golden State” really is.
There are hidden gems that lie within a curvy two lane road in between San Luis Obispo and Monterey that many people drive by, but not many stop to really explore. There you will not find cell phone service, buildings, traffic, or pollution. Instead, you will find vast lands filled with cows, horses and deer. A huge coastline with innumerable possibilities of finding waves. Yes, the water is colder, and although during the summer the waves aren’t the most spectacular it really comes down to this: would you rather surf alone in peace or in a lineup filled with a bunch of strangers competing over the smallest two foot chop? The decision is yours. And for those who love smelling like campfire, sleeping under the stars, having your food stolen by raccoons at night, and taking scarce showers by the side of the road — you already know what I’m talking about.
