Light Show

Picture from the San Luis Obispo Tribune


The remnants of Hurricane Dean did an end run on the Central Coast last night, completely blindsiding the weather forecasters.

I thought it was odd that someone was using a strobe light in the middle of the night. Earplugs kept the rumbling of thunder at bay until 2:30am when I was finally shaken awake.

The best part? The fragrance of rain! It has been many long, long months since I have been blessed by that.

Eclipsed

The most strenuous thing Bob and I did yesterday was stay up and catch the beginning of the total lunar eclipse.

The fog bank stayed well off shore as the moon began to disappear.

The sight was enhanced by the sounds of the surf pounding and the aroma of Cambria pines.

That was one stellar show!

Visitors in Paradise

My sister Christy, her husband Dave, and their son Mason drove west from Atascadero to take in our little bit of paradise yesterday.



We had fine weather for our walk on the ranch and nearby tide pools. The remnants of Hurricane Dean dropped moisture further south, but didn't touch us here.


We got a close view of several turkey vultures as they made their way to the beach below the ranch boardwalk. We couldn't see what was on the menu, but could certainly smell it, and appreciated their role in clearing out the carrion.


The tide was low, so we got a good look at the tide pools. Mason accurately observed that the exposed sea weed looked like potpourri. It certainly didn't smell like potpourri!


A lavish spread of the most exquisite snack (read junk) food was enjoyed upon our return home.


We all remarked on how peaceful and relaxing the surroundings were.




I woke up this moring thinking of my teaching responsibilities back home. That's just wrong! I'm going back to reading.

School can wait!

Otter Pop

Yesterday, during our evening walk on the ranch, we heard it: "Pop...pop...pop..."

We searched the ocean directly below us.

There! "Pop...pop...pop..."

We were delighted to discover two sea otters floating on their backs amid the kelp, rocks in hand, working smartly to smash the shells separating them from their mollusk dinners.

Castle in the Clear

Bob and I drove the short 8 miles to Hearst Castle yesterday. When we arrived, the hill was completely shrouded in fog. We had scheduled a 3:40 tour, but there was room on the 1:40 tour instead. We gulped down some truly mediocre yet expensive food, then made our way onto our tour bus for the winding 5 mile trek up the hill.

Then something truly wonderful happened. The fog lifted to reveal breathtaking vistas of ocean, hills, and, of course, the Castle.

The tour guides that met us at the top said until that moment the grounds had been completely enveloped in mist. We were treated to clear, deep blue skies and very mild temperatures, unlike the 105 degrees reported a few days earlier.

We thoroughly enjoyed our tour of Mr. Hearst's "ranch". We both took lots of pictures. I'll post some when we find some DSL.

Today we plan to have no plans. We can sleep until tomorrow if we want. Maybe we will!

Foggy Walk

We strolled over to the East West Ranch yesterday afternoon. It was a cool, foggy afternoon so we donned sweatshirts and headed out.

It's a mile across the ranch to Marine Terrace along a beautifully accessible trail. We saw lots of pelicans and some seals. Still eluding us are sea otters and whales, although we've seen them here before.

We walked around Marine Terrace and down to the beach. The tide was in, and it was fun to watch the waves pound up to us.

We hiked back across the ranch using the upper dog and bike trail. It has been completely graded and groomed into a wide swath which doubles as a fire road. Dogs are allowed off their leashes here, and several were romping about.

Dogs weren't the only thing out yesterday. We encountered a coyote shadowing the trail. It was amazing how its coat blended in so perfectly with its surroundings. We got the feeling that it was on the prowl for delicious brisket of dachshund or fillet of Fifi. Fortunately, none were to be had.



We made a quick trip into town for some sherry from Fermentations. Then we parked ourselves in front of the fire for a quiet evening of reading and crosswords.

I took myself into the palatial bathroom, filled the jacuzzi tub with warm water and bubbles, lit a bunch of candles, and read Ruth Reichl's "Garlic and Sapphires" for an hour and a half. Believe me, I've never sat in a tub that long before! It was wonderful. I'm thinking of doing it again tonight!

We're off to Hearst Castle this afternoon. Bob has never been there, so we're taking Tour One. I'll let you know how it goes if I can get this incredibly spotty dial-up connection to behave.

Meanwhile, it's time to sit and breathe the clean sea air.

Later!

Our Piece of Quiet

Bob and I are enjoying our piece of quiet up here in Cambria.

I went into the bedroom last night and thought, "What's that noise?" It was the sound of the ocean waves breaking.

I could hear the sea lions barking in the distance as I lay down for a nap yesterday. From our bed you can see the ocean and the ranch.

It is supremely peaceful and very quiet here.

We are drinking it in.

I tried in vain to upload a picture using this dial-up.

You'll have to use your imaginations.

Gotta go.

It's nap time!

A Time To Sit Down

A week from today I'm going to sit myself down on this bench with my dear husband Bob and drool.

Drooling is the most effort I hope to expend while vacationing in beautiful Cambria, California.

I love my job. I love playing for thousands of people a week. I love my university teaching jobs.

However, I need a break.

So Bob and I will be heading for the peaceful Central Coast next week.

We are planning days of recreational eating, reading, walking on Moonstone Beach and the East West Ranch, and lots and lots of naps.

Maybe I'll blog.

Maybe I won't.

Meanwhile, Muni Band Week 8 begins tomorrow.

See you in the park!

Dreaming of Cambria

Three weeks from today will find us in Cambria.

It's grand to have something to look forward to!

Happy 2nd Anniversary to Us!

Bob and I were married 2 years ago today on May 14, 2005.

Here we are 2 years later:

We're spending a few days as tourists.

I was born and raised in Southern California, but I have never spent the night in a hotel near Disneyland. We figured it was about time to do just that.

We happened upon the Disneyland Band during their noon concert in Town Square on Main Street USA.

Our friend Kurt was conducting today.

We'll see a lot more of him in 42 days during the Long Beach Municipal Band season.

We got handed tambourines and got to play along with the band.

(I wonder if I violated Musicians Local 7 rules - I didn't get paid for playing and I'm a dues paying member!)

We saw Kurt later in the Pearly Band in front of Sleeping Beauty's Castle:

There's a new film coming out next week:

Guess what! The world premier is at Disneyland this Saturday.

Here is the big screen under construction:

Here are some piratey details:

Here is where the lucky guests will view the premier:

The screen is set up right in front of Tom Sawyer's Island:

After lunch at the Blue Bayou Restaurant (yes, it's in the Pirates of the Caribbean ride) we headed for our nice hotel:

We have a corner suite on the 6th floor.

We spent the rest of the day relaxing.

We'll continue our touristy adventures tomorrow.

I'll keep you posted!

Sisterly Lunch In Paso Robles

Christy and I left Mason at home exploring unknown galaxies and headed to Paso Robles.

We were meeting our sister Janine for her birthday lunch.

Jani had never eaten Thai food so we met at Basil Thai Restaurant in Downtown Paso Robles.

Christy had eaten here before...

...but Janine and I were first time visitors:

I ordered the Pineapple Rice.

I wanted to play with the pineapple:

Janine was served complimentary "fish sticks" and ice cream.

(Those were really fried bananas which were unbelievably delicious)

We strolled around to corner to check out the new luxury hotel in town:

This is the reception area...

...which leads out into a private enclosed courtyard:

Christy and Janine lounged about like tourists:

We weren't looking so relaxed at 11:15am on December 22, 2003.

We were sitting in Park Cinemas waiting to see "Return of the King" when a killer 6.5 earthquake struck.

We exited the theater, looked to the right, and this is what we saw (photo from CNN website):

Things were looking much better today:

This is the Clock Tower building that collapsed:

Downtown is so beautiful now:

The Clock Tower has been restored:

We spent the afternoon strolling around and shopping.

The Wine Festival is next weekend.

Come check it out.

You won't be disappointed.

Central Coast Chillin'

I arrived safely in Atascadero yesterday afternoon, right before the huge brush fire broke out in LA.

I am gratefully breathing clean, fresh air and soaking up the peace and quiet.



We have given ourselves over to casual grazing of delicious Trader Joe's cuisine...



...and Farmer's Market produce:

More later (possibly a lot later).

I've got some eyelids I need to check for holes...