An Unexpected Family Reunion!

August 30, 2014


Morro Rock from Cayucos Beach

We slept well and took our time getting up and out. After a cup of coffee from the continental breakfact in the lobby, we were on the road a little after 9:00. With no clouds and no breeze it was already much warmer than the day before. 

Other than taking our time returning south, we had no plans for the day. Cayucos was slowly waking up as we drove through. Only a couple folks on the beach with their dogs. I love that place.

Yesterday we did take one other side trip through the little town of Cambria. What a darling place. Dozens and dozens of little shops that would have taken a lot of my time and money in my former life. Two years ago. No regrets or apologies, it was a blast! Just isn't me anymore. Looking at all the wonderful stuff, I repeated out loud "I'm so glad I don't have a house!". Projecting a little, but we now "act" like we don't have a house anymore :-). And the local economy doesn't miss me either - the streets were packed with shoppers.

Today Cambria was also very busy, but not with shoppers. Parade-goers. The main street was closed off, lawn chairs were lined up, and streams of people were walking into town from their vehicles parked on Hwy 1. They were definitely getting a great turn-out for this small-town parade. I love it! We didn't bring chairs with us or we might have stopped to see for ourselves.

Instead, we continued into Morro Bay in search of a dog-friendly breakfast stop. Unlike Cayucos, this turned out to be more of a challenge. On the second pass Bill saw a potential patio and we snagged the last parking spot just around the corner. Yep - pets allowed on the patio! 

A beautiful sunny day at the marina

Not only was the food great, but the view of the marina was wonderful, and our waitress delightful. Turns out she lives in the sailboat docked maybe 20 feet from the little restaurant! Also teaches and writes about scuba diving, working on her third college degree, has traveled extensively - not yet thirty. There are so many ways to live this life :-).

While I may no longer buy like I used to, I still enjoy shopping if the place is special. There is one store in Morro Bay that is high on the top of that list. Simply called The Garden, it is a combination of indoor and outdoor spaces, tastefully stocked with succulents, statuary, chimes, books, and other handcrafted items. Most items are likely available at other places, but it is the "presentation" and artistry of this shop that draws me. The fact that Bill didn't hate it speaks highly of it's uniqueness! Still, we walked out with no purchases and returned to the Jeep.

Checked out the Morro Bay State Park - nice spaces for larger rigs - dry camping - lots of tents. With trees and greenery, it was definitely more desirable than San Simeon, although it lacked the access to a broad span of beach. With the marina and small town within walking distance it is a lovely location.

Still no plans, we drove through San Luis Obispo and headed south on Hwy 101. And then suddenly - plans!

A family reunion in Pismo Beach? In an hour? What???

Unknown to us, the nieces and their kids had made plans (also last minute) to stay in a beachside hotel in Pismo for the big weekend. Bill had seen the post on FB earlier and told them we were leaving Cayucos (this part I didn't know), which prompted a call from Melissa just as we were leaving San Luis Obispo.

They were an hour behind us and we enthusiastically agreed to wait in Pismo Beach to spend some time with them.

You know those crowds we hate? The holiday traffic and congestion we avoid? All there in Pismo. So was the hot sun. We found their hotel and a little piece of shade to hang out for awhile. Everyone was friendly, we made the best of it. Walked around looking for outdoor dining where we could grab a cold drink with Tessa - you know, beachside hot dog joint, picnic tables with umbrellas, beer garden? Nope. A very nice man heard us asking around and sent us to the one dog-friendly place in the town. Just a block down the road. Dozens of people standing in line just to get to the patio...... Nope.

When we learned the wait would be another hour we got back in the Jeep and took a drive up in the hills. We found some great views of the beach and the dunes, saw some very cool houses, and took the back roads through vineyards to Arroyo Grande. It was a fun distraction that got us out of the crowds, and off the hot concrete.

Amazingly we found another parking spot not far from the hotel when we returned, and the girls arrived not long after. They had hit unexpected traffic and were as glad as we were to finally get in the hotel and share some hugs!

It was a short visit, but wonderful to have unexpected time with the big girls and little boys. Their room was right on the beach, just over the path from the sand. They will have a grand time I'm sure!



Sitting on their hotel room patio

　
Back on the highway with more good music, and a few hours later we were home. We enjoyed our quick get-away, and the itch is somewhat satisfied for a while now. We have another one planned to Laughlin in a couple weeks, and then the RV show in Pomona. Yay!