Thanks for everyone for their advice. My photo shoot got bumped an hour so I hopped in the car and did a recon of the area. The Torrey Pines hill looks ominous... I don't think I'm ready for that yet. I saw some gal in bright pink powering up it with a couple of guys in tow (someone on TE perhap?) and I was just in awe. And yes, I can see how chaotic Camino Del Mar can be.

I think I may just head north on Coast. I can't imagine climbing a hill, getting back in my car with sore muscles -- and stinkiness -- and driving 100 miles back to LA. I got stuck in major traffic on the 405 today (deceased motorcycle rider in Orange County) and it ended up taking me 3-1/2 hours to get back.