After a surprisingly stress-free flight from DC, we landed in San Francisco and caught a ride to Stinson Beach with my dad. For those who are unfamiliar with the infamous stretch of Highway 1 just north of SF, mere words can't quite describe it. The scenery is gorgeous, with mountains and rugged coastline and sparkling ocean views. But it's hard to appreciate a beautiful vista when you're struggling not to toss your cookies! That twisty road is something else. So we were glad to arrive in Stinson Beach (population 400-something) and spend some time unwinding at our fabulous beach house. Known locally simply as "The Red House," it's right on the beach and was once occupied for entire summers by Steve Miller. Sweeeeet. More importantly, it had enough space for me & Mark, my dad, my sister Laura and her dog, my brother Dave and his new wife Meghan, and my brother Eric and his fiancee Dey. A full house, indeed! But most of the rest of the crew wasn't arriving till tomorrow, so Mark and I took the opportunity to snag the good bedroom, with a gorgeous view of the beach and a deck. Not bad at all. We enjoyed a lovely, if chilly, sunset on the aforementioned deck, and crashed early.