Our Day Trip, part 1

Today seemed like a good day for an outing.  As I wrote yesterday, I’m working on a photo album for Zoey and I needed a break.  I know actual photo albums are a thing of the past for many.  Most people create their web albums and such.  However, I began creating photo albums for Mackenzie when she was born and she now has 5.  I cannot stop this creative endeavor for Zoey until she, also, has a total of 5.  I like things even-Steven.  So, outdated or old-fashioned, I still have to get to a total of 5.  Then I will retire from that hobby.

We decided to take a trip North of Pismo Beach and go up California Coastal Highway 1.  As you travel about 10 miles from here, in the center of San Luis Obispo, you will find the exit for Hwy. 1.  It is well-marked and it would be difficult to miss.  It will take you past the Cal Poly campus and into Morro Bay.  We did not stop in Morro Bay but kept traveling. 

We found Morro Bay fairly well socked in with fog.  Hwy. 1 is a 2-lane road in most places and a bit winding, but not a bad road.  We drove in and out of the pockets of fog for several miles until we reached the William Hearst State Park in San Simeon.  This is a small park with land donated by W.H. Hearst to the State of California.  Above the park and across the highway, high up on a hill, sits the famous Hearst Castle.

                                 There are beautiful ocean views from the grounds of Hearst Castle.

We have been to Hearst Castle and didn’t plan to go back today.  We did pull into the state park to set out our picnic lunch.  We were lucky and there was no fog present.  We found a table overlooking the ocean and enjoyed our tuna sandwiches.

                                            An ocean view is always a treat.

Annie enjoyed a picnic, too.  I brought some Cheerios along for her.  After eating we wanted to walk out on the pier, so we had to put Annie in the car.  No dogs allowed.  We parked the car in the shade of a tree and put in the 2 window guards for her protection.  This way we can keep the windows down for good ventilation, but nobody can stick their fingers or hands inside the car.

                                  I got these from the Drs. Foster and Smith catalog a long time ago. 

This gull was standing sentry at the pier entrance.  He was standing on a sign warning of Danger.  I think the only danger might have been if that gull flew over us and pooped on our heads.  It’s happened before.

There were people fishing out on the pier and others, like us, just walking and taking photos.  It isn’t a long pier.  There is swimming allowed on the North side of the pier and a group of kids were there today.  The pier juts out into San Simeon Bay. 

                                           School field trip?  I have no idea but they were having fun.

                                            San Simeon Bay

                                            Sailboat anchored off the pier in San Simeon Bay.

                                          From the pier Bruce looks back toward the little state park.

                                     California Coastal Hwy. 1 will provide you with a beautiful journey.

The coast of California provides many scenic vistas in so many places from border to border.  I can’t say we’ve seen them all, but over the past 45 years of travel and touring, we’ve seen a lot of them.  We still like making a repeat visit to some of our favorites.  I hope everyone reading this blog will someday get to see this area in California.  Try it, you’ll like it.

Tomorrow’s post will finish our day trip with Part 2.  Have a great day everyone.

Until next time…..so long for now!