To some, this place seems like heaven. A cabin nestled atop a cliffside with breathtaking views of the turbulent sea. I'm witnessing the violence this liquid mass has unleashed on the cowering crags the waves envelope with each crashing push. It's so dramatic--the way the water lifts itself, forming foaming white ocean waves that holds itself in the air, like a bomb exploding in slow motion. The activity of the ocean seems peaceful from afar, but from this floor to ceiling window, there's an intimate inlet into it's madness. 
The Pacific Mist Inn and Bungalows was one of many rustic seaside escapes into the Mendocino County countryside. Passing through a one lane road canopied with towering Redwoods, I felt as if I was edging on the end of the earth and this was the only way out. Thickly settled fog disrupts your search for the town centre, so once you find your humble abode, nestle up next to the fireplace and take comfort knowing you're above the mass chaos of sea below.
Pacific Mist Inn provides the simple pleasantries of home from plush carpeted floors to a fully furnished kitchen and a definite "lived in" feel to compliment the overall small town appeal of the surrounding area. Of course, the hot tub and wooden deck overlooking the Pacific Ocean are all an addendum to the home you know so well. 
If I had known there was a Mendocino nightlife, I certainly would've partook in the festivities. However, this one horse town could hardly carry itself past 9pm, but of course, not the emphasis of the adventure; I lived for the daytime glory. The oppressive sun fused with the ocean mist dusted the skyline with a dream-like haze. State parks and beach hopping drove our exploratory urges from as far south as Elk to the northernmost point of Fort Bragg, where there was at least a shadow of another human lingering. Sprinkled in our search for the best (of the best) view, were pit stops at the local Mendocino Chocolate Company, where indulging in succulent truffles is an understatement, as well as the double patty Mendo Burger complete with a side of fresh cut fries. Mmm, I can feel the fat seeping through my pores.
Wineries and micro breweries are also a "to do" in Mendocino and Fort Bragg. Passing through Boonville, we kept out eyes open for the fabled brown bears with antlers as featured on the popular Boont Amber Ale label, but the closest animal we came to was a whiff of the ever-popularized skunk. Whether its a metaphor for the massive amounts of marijuana grown in the surrounding forests, or simply an affinity for our funky fresh friend, you were almost guaranteed a stinging nostril full.
A native from Mendocino County shared jaded sentiments of how the fishing and lumber industries pummeled in the last year, so many resorted to working in spas, which lined Route 128 like little plastic gnomes belonging to a crazed lawn ornament collector. I was treated with the Swedish/hot stone mixture massage at The Indigo Spa at Stevenswood Inn. I can confidently say I've received better treatment, but considering most people were interested not so much in the finer things in life, but the more relaxing, I decided to embrace the hour massage and return with a calmer approach to life. In a place where peace almost felt infectious, I really had to try to not enjoy it.
Now, back in the bustle of San Francisco, the detachment from seemingly crucial technological devices such as my cell phone was a blessing in disguise. I lived in the present with what was there and enjoyed it for just that. Sometimes it's hard to imagine life being so simple. Vere off 101 N and you won't look back for at least three days.
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