
Skyline
Toddler in tow, Laurie and Michael left their Hawaii paradise to make a home in Northern California on 40 acres (no mule).
Skyline Blvd is a long windy road in Northern California. Close enough to what would become Silicon Valley that Steve Jobs used to ride his motorcycle on the stunning rural roads, the 40 acres of trees, dirt, and poison oak in unincorporated San Mateo was far off the grid. Moving first to a trailer and then to a tiny camper, the family of 3 made a home. Laurie hauled water, laundry, and groceries up and down the dirt roads and started her gymnastics business to support the family while Michael built an A-frame in the forest. While the A-frame never was truly done, the family of 3 became a family of four once the roof was completed.
Skyline was a beautiful but hard existence for a young mama and business owner. Summers were hot, and water was not abundant. Winters were cold, with the uninsulated house warmed (slightly) by a stubborn tiny fireplace. The roads often slide during the winter, requiring Laurie and Michael to walk up and down the muddy roads in the dark rain with a child and a baby, and there was never enough money. But survive they did, and they built a beautiful house in the woods.
Are you part of the Skyline crew? Do you have pictures or stories? Email Misha to add them in.
