In about an hour, we will start the engine and cruise down the 101 to Santa Monica.

We will have a bite and a beer in Los Angeles, then continue on down to San Diego.

FYI – This weekend is Carmageddon in L.A., due to the closure of Route 405.

We shouldn’t have a problem today (minus normal traffic), as the road does not close until later this evening.

Returning to Santa Monica on Sunday should be interesting – although we are attending the San Diego Brew Fest in the afternoon – so I am sure we will be in good spirits for at least the first couple hours of gridlock.

But let’s not chat about a potential traffic jam – let’s talk about San Diego.

We are staying at the Historic St. James (originally opened in 1913, now it’s run by Ramada).  They have an awfully nice rooftop deck that overlooks the city and it’s located in the heart of the Gaslamp District (where the fun happens).

The itinerary is wide open until Sunday, when we will sip on beers from Kona, Firestone, Duvel, Red Hook, Sierra Nevada (although I am not a fan), Victoria, Magic Hat, Kronenbourg, Pacifico, Peroni… the list goes on, and the phrase “kid in a candy store” comes to mind.

I still have to finish packing.  You would think with all the traveling that I do I’d be a lot better at folding and selecting things to bring – but it’s never a priority and once again my suitcase is overflowing and a wrinkled mess.

And to think I was invited to cover a fashion event in New York next week (Capsule)… made me laugh when I saw the invitation.

But I’m listening to Jimmy Buffett and my outfits are the last thing on my mind and – maybe – if we go somewhere nice I’ll bust out the iron.

Follow along this weekend – should be a fun one.