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As I assessed the luggage and our purchases in the hotel room the next morning, I began to wonder if we would have enough room in the 6 Series' trunk for our gear. It was a near perfect day, sunny with just a few clouds with summer temperatures kept cooler than usual from the sea breeze. Driving with the convertible top up was simply not an option. Besides, both my husband and I wanted to experience the sights and smells of the coast during our journey home. It was our way of extending this little getaway for as long as possible. We successfully packed all our belongings save one small bag in the trunk, put the top down and turned the BMW toward home.
Throughout California, scenic roads are designated with a small rectangular sign picturing an orange California poppy, the state flower, matted against dark mountains and a startling blue sky. The signs punctuated the side of Highway 1 with such frequency that I began to take them for granted. They seemed as much a part of this journey as the strikingly beautiful coastline.
As I piloted the 6 Series through the transition from Highway 1 to Highway 101 at the end of our journey, the sign leapt out at me from the road's edge. There, in bold letters was the word "end." Almost simultaneously, the California coastline with its brilliant Pacific Ocean and dramatic hills disappeared from my view.
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