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Published: July 20th 2018
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Not only has the weather been hot for several weeks now, but just to make matters worse, our almost new (less than three years old) refrigerator decided to take a break, or just break. The technician said the Sears Kenmore refrigerator is made by LG. And LG compressors have been failing at an alarming rate. We are thankful for the extended warranty. But I wonder who is going to take over Sears Home Services when Sears finally declares bankruptcy?
Anyway, we decided, since we are going out for most of our meals, to take a road trip over to the Central Coast, and stay a few nights in Pismo Beach. And, of course, we are taking Lexi with us. Last year, on her first trip to the beach, I thought she was going to dig to the other side of the world. She loved it!!!
So, while we may not do much wine tasting, I will take my bicycle, and we will enjoy some al fresco dining with her when we can. Also, someone told us there is a nice dog park in Avila Beach. A short
stop or lunch at the Firestone Brewery could also be on the agenda.
California's central coast is considered to be 350 miles of coastline, from the Monterey region to the Ventura region. Pismo Beach is considered part of the San Luis Obispo region. This region has 16 cities and towns, and includes Hearst Castle in Cambria, as well as Cal Poly, aka California Polytechnic University, where many of our friends and relatives attended. One of our favorite restaurants is located in Arroyo Grande, Ember, an award winning restaurant with food as good as any place in the Bay Area or LA.
Naturally, food and wine are a big attraction here. The wine region, made even more famous by the movie,
Sideways, has been attracting big crowds, and winning many awards. And the food, with so many nearby farms, provides the quintessential farm to table dining experience in many places. Of course, seafood is a big draw for us as well.
Pismo was once known as the clam capital of the world. In my youth, I
recall our relatives going to Pismo to dig clams and abalone. They even have a clam festival every October. The clams routinely can be as large as 7 inches! And the old Splash Cafe in downtown Pismo serves over 30,000 gallons of clam chowder in sourdough bread bowls annually. A rather tacky place, but good for a quick snack.
But mostly, it is the seaside vibe, the California relaxing lifestyle that draws us and keeps us coming back. Life just seems to move at a different pace. Everyone is on vacation, even the people who live and work there! The area reminds me of how Santa Cruz was back in the 50s and 60s.
As far as our break from the heat, the average temperatures here are 71 and 53. A couple of dear friends went to Pismo last week and actually encountered a temp of 101!!!! Shocking. But this is perfect cycling weather! And sunset on or near the pier is a big draw. Lexi and I will be there around that time each evening.
So, if you
can find us, we might be taking a nap poolside, taking Lexi for a walk on the beach, or tasting some wine at a few wineries in the area. But mostly, we will be doing next to nothing!
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