day 1 (tues)_Santa Ana to San Luis opisbo, taking the Pacific Surfliner (newer thus nicer train since its a local cali train vs national line), nite @ le petit soleil bed/breakfast, very quaint but too country, altho beautiful courtyard and amazing homemade breakfast. day 2_rent a car and go up the coast to big sur national park. staying at the Treebones (yurts!) very cook styling yurt, amazing view, even w/a pool. no private bathroom tho. today has been a foggy day, c nothing.... but whiteness, another kind of beauty. to hear the seals but not c them. dinner @ yummy bakery/resto. and midnite hot springing @ esalen institute. day 3_continue up big sur (visiting beaches, etc, but sea water's temp here is def near freezing level) til Monterrey, drop off car & bus to Salinas (small little town tht the author, Steinbeck is from) linking back onto train, this is now the Starlight Line which goes from LA to Seattle, into oakland (visiting w/frnds in sf for the weekend) day 4_sf! MOMA...