SPIRIT of Flight, Bay2Bay
Growing up in the San Francisco Bay Area has been an adventure, to say the least. On any given day you can hop in your plane and enjoy the view as you make your way down to the Monterey Bay. Take a deep breath as you and your passengers follow the rugged coastal mountain ranges south, and discover the many treasures and little towns dotted along the way.
It seems as if I’ve been back and forth between these bays for a lifetime. Forty-four years ago, my father moved our family from Cleveland, Ohio to the San Francisco Bay Area. I was eight. My dad was a sailor and veteran of the Coast Guard and NAVY; he relocated our family to California for a new job and business opportunity in South San Francisco. After graduating college, I had the opportunity to join the family business, and with that came many working lunches sitting with my dad on the side of the bay, watching planes take off and land at the San Francisco International Airport.
My dad loved to fly. He wanted to fly. And, my mom did not. In fact, it scared her. Although, this fear was not enough to not get on dozens of airplanes and jet off to their next amazing adventure! My mom still loves to explore as much as my dad loved to get lost and look up to the sky to identify as many aircraft as he could. This passion for flight rubbed off on me! It’s in the blood. My love for flight, travel, and discovery has led me to a world of amazing people and opportunity within the industry of aviation. My friend, pilot, writing partner, mentor, Co-President of Women in Aviation, International San Francisco Bay Area Chapter (WAI-SFBA), and Jefferson Award Winner for Public Service, Ana Carolina Uribe Ruiz, introduced me to Women in Aviation, International, and opened the doors for me and others to discover the career possibilities within the world of aviation. Ana’s father formed an airline in Ecuador in the late ‘50s that was the flag Airline for the country for many years…
Recently I asked Ana why she loves to fly. Her response was simple, “Why? The view and the space you are in. Nothing better than looking outside and being able to fly, a bird’s eye view. That’s what I see!”
In the past four years, I have logged almost nine flight hours and hope to have my own private pilot’s license by the time I’m 60! In the mean time, as a photographer and writer, I will continue to learn all I can from amazing female pilots like Ana and Women in Aviation, International from the San Francisco Bay Area Chapter to their newest chapter in Costa Rica. Enjoy the ride and have fun as I share their stories.
Next stop, Monterey!
As you make your way between the San Francisco and Monterey Bays, you are sure to find an array of art, agriculture, microclimates, math, science, and faith. A plethora of knowledge and beauty that is sure to stimulate the senses as you catch magnificent views and enjoy delectable foods picked straight from our waters and local farms that sit within our collective bay areas. It’s fun to take in the offshore breeze as you follow the windy roads and rugged coast through the wine country of the Santa Cruz Mountains. Get lost. Have a blast.
One of my favorite places to stop in Monterey is LouLou’s Griddle in the Middle, a sweet little café that I discovered over a decade ago. Here you are sure to be greeted with a smile by restaurateurs LouLou & Grace, along with Chef Benito, and LouLou’s fabulous team and Good Eats. Stroll along the commercial wharf and take in the sights as you wait for your table—you may even catch a look at one of the bay’s many sea creatures and water sport enthusiasts alike. Loulou’s is a special place that is filled with amazing food, lovely people, great stories, and special salt and pepper shakers! It’s fun to sit at the counter and watch as the hubcap size pancakes are prepared, take in the smell of coffee that lingers gently in the air, and listen to the hustle and bustle of activity mixed with the culinary sounds and sea life that surround you. Chef Benito makes the best Clam Chowder that I have ever had, award winning, in fact!
Loulou’s Griddle in the Middle sits on the Municipal Wharf No. 2 between Del Monte State Beach and the Yacht Club. Enjoy the breathtaking view of the coast and the Monterey Bay. A must see on any stop to Monterey, and, don’t forget, they are always Closed Tuesdays (There’s never an “-ish” about this.)
Head over to the Monterey Bay Aquarium and learn about our powerful marine sanctuary. Play tourist and hop on a whale-watching cruise at the end of the Wharf, and when you return, grab a bite at Crabby Jim’s Seafood—my buddy, Frank, at Creekside Collective told me to check it out. We enjoyed a stuffed lobster tail the last time we were there.
If you plan on staying in the area, Hotel 1110 is simply amazing. A short walk from Loulou’s, this 17-room boutique hotel sits directly across from Del Monte Beach. Designer, Nancy Williams, has magically swirled the textiles, fixtures, and vintage accents together with the work of local artists and culinary delights that will give you an experience of having been whisked off to Paris for the day.
Treasures are everywhere. Enjoy your stay in Monterey, and keep your eyes in the sky…
Cheers,
Denise and Ana
