With March here, can Spring be far behind? In theory, March roars in like a lion and goes out like a lamb, but here in Montana, we’re as likely to get wind at both ends of the month! Of course, after looking at the snow that places like Boston have gotten this year, I’m not complaining. Not one bit. Even after the storm predicted to come in this weekend.
Not one bit.
Because I’m going to be planning my summer travels. Even after a trip to the south that was fraught with problems:
- Coffee spilled all over my notes for my next novel
- Thieves broke into our car in Salt Lake City and stole an enormous amount of stuff, including all my notes for the next novel
- We were trapped in our campground in Arizona due to a downpour that flooded a wash … and also our tent.
Not one bit.
I’m eager to look at maps and find those wonderful out-of-the-way places. My DH and I love travel, exploring places we haven’t seen before and having exceptional experiences. By the way, if you’re ever in Tuscon, Arizona, stop by the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, home to this cute (?) barn owl.
As I wrote the California Romance series, I drew on my knowledge of the area. In California Homecoming, I created an inn for Sarah to buy that was based on Sand Rock Farm. The inn has totally been changed, but the inspiration was that wonderful inn.
When we lived on the Central Coast, we could see the ocean from our deck. We also saw a lot of roofs, but the ocean was there. A few miles south on the beach–walkable if you didn’t mind getting your feet wet–was a place called Cafe Rio. That was the inspiration for another scene in California Homecoming. If you know what scene that is, comment on this piece by the end of March 2015. Some random commenter will get an extra prize.
One of the things we like about staying at a B&B or inn is the local knowledge the owners have about the area. Recommendations about places to eat are common, but these locals are often wise in the way of experiences that cement the place in our hearts. Sarah often recommends the Elkhorn Slough Sea Safari. The guide for the ride is definitely a hoot! Seals, otters, birds–it’s all there in a unique Monterey Bay experience.
Oh … if you stop by Sarah’s Inn, you’ll sure to taste something from Gayle’s Bakery. If you are in the real Capitola area, look it up on your phone and stop by for some of the most amazing pastries. Some of my favorite birthday cakes came from Gayles.
Want to win an armchair trip to the Central Coast? Hop on over to the romance at the inn contest by clicking here. As always, my newsletter readers will get an extra chance to enter–an added incentive to be on the list. Contest ends midnight, March 31, 2015.
My DH and I plan to do a lot more traveling this year, so if you know of an indie bookstore that would like to do a book signing, please let me know.
I love hearing from my readers! If you have any ideas, critiques, or happy news, please contact me at casey AT caseydawes.com.
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