A Lagunitas IPA in my right hand and a shared pool cue in my left, there I was. With my father in a brand new place. A place I’d once heard the name of, one I’d never made plans to visit. There, in a bar that looked much like the hundreds of others with a small stage, three pool tables and seating for the tourists and locals alike. Only a short walk from the public fishing pier and three steps away from another pint, Harry’s was the spot. In the heart of touristy Pismo Beach, I strangely felt at home. It’s funny how a game of pool and a cold beer can do that to a man. We hadn’t even secured a place to sleep, and I felt cozy in that bar. The live music was gearing up, the band lugging their gear in through the side door and out of the persistent rain.
The hotel reminded me of childhood stays in Myrtle Beach. Generic as they come, but with a great view of the ocean and the recurring sound of crashing waves throughout the crisp, clear night. After the previous night’s rainfall and ale consumption, the start to the day was a relaxing one. Something that remains constant when traveling with my dad: opportunity for a great breakfast. That day, we went to Penny’s for black coffee and diner food (and I mean that in the best way possible). And without further adieu, we departed for the next town on the list: Morro Bay. Thus far, we’d driven from Los Angeles, stopping in Santa Barbara for lunch and passing through Gaviota for a hike, moving north through Lompoc on SR-1 and then onward to Pismo Beach.
The hotel reminded me of childhood stays in Myrtle Beach. Generic as they come, but with a great view of the ocean and the recurring sound of crashing waves throughout the crisp, clear night. After the previous night’s rainfall and ale consumption, the start to the day was a relaxing one. Something that remains constant when traveling with my dad: opportunity for a great breakfast. That day, we went to Penny’s for black coffee and diner food (and I mean that in the best way possible). And without further adieu, we departed for the next town on the list: Morro Bay. Thus far, we’d driven from Los Angeles, stopping in Santa Barbara for lunch and passing through Gaviota for a hike, moving north through Lompoc on SR-1 and then onward to Pismo Beach.
Morro Bay, named after Morro Rock, lies WNW of San Luis Obispo, south down the coast from Cayucos and with a beautiful view of coastal mountains and a large mass of marsh land. With a rich surf community, great hiking and several restaurants and local amenities, it was a perfect place to kill time and seek adventure for the day. The state parks provided the views, and we enjoyed. Fully. I had a couple phone calls (scheduled calls for business), but it was still so nice. A light rain gave way to a perfect rainbow from the first peak we reached. The second peak was higher and offered views of the ocean and far into the inland valleys. The rare California rain we’d received just recently transformed the desert-brown hills into Irish-like deep green knolls, exploding with color and lush life. An irregular sight, but a beautiful one without a doubt.
Several silent moments passed atop the hills in Morro Bay and the nearby town, Los Osos, and then… Pizza. PizzaPort had a Morro Bay location, so we refueled before heading inland to San Luis Obispo. SLO, as it’s commonly called, is a small town nestled perfectly in the hills between and inland from Avila Beach and Los Osos. The San Luis Obispo County seat and home to California Polytechnic State University, SLO serves as a college town for the local and politically opinionated population. A liberal place with a thriving art scene and great nightlife that seems small enough for people to know each other. It’s a beautiful place that reminded me of Raleigh. If Raleigh, NC weren't the state capital and lacked a belt line, it would be the east coast’s SLO. Minus the beautiful coastline nearby… Ahh who am I kidding? San Luis Obispo is one of a kind. Lucky us, we were there for Thursday night’s local downtown farmer’s market, granted access to locally sourced food, food vendors, art galleries and plenty of cool bars to frequent. Good vibes were upon us, which made for a really pleasant Thursday night
The following morning, we woke up to a steady rain. The same string of systems bringing rain to all of Southern California. It was the day to return. With stops at undisclosed locations along the coast, worthy of healthy detours, we made our way southeast, back to the City of Angels. With just enough timing to see the sunset from Griffith Park’s Observatory.
Several silent moments passed atop the hills in Morro Bay and the nearby town, Los Osos, and then… Pizza. PizzaPort had a Morro Bay location, so we refueled before heading inland to San Luis Obispo. SLO, as it’s commonly called, is a small town nestled perfectly in the hills between and inland from Avila Beach and Los Osos. The San Luis Obispo County seat and home to California Polytechnic State University, SLO serves as a college town for the local and politically opinionated population. A liberal place with a thriving art scene and great nightlife that seems small enough for people to know each other. It’s a beautiful place that reminded me of Raleigh. If Raleigh, NC weren't the state capital and lacked a belt line, it would be the east coast’s SLO. Minus the beautiful coastline nearby… Ahh who am I kidding? San Luis Obispo is one of a kind. Lucky us, we were there for Thursday night’s local downtown farmer’s market, granted access to locally sourced food, food vendors, art galleries and plenty of cool bars to frequent. Good vibes were upon us, which made for a really pleasant Thursday night
The following morning, we woke up to a steady rain. The same string of systems bringing rain to all of Southern California. It was the day to return. With stops at undisclosed locations along the coast, worthy of healthy detours, we made our way southeast, back to the City of Angels. With just enough timing to see the sunset from Griffith Park’s Observatory.
My dad had been in town for eight days, set to leave the very next. It had been a good trip, but more importantly a full one. With new experiences for the both of us, a tour of my new city and rare time spent between us, father and son. It was back to grey Pittsburgh for him, and back to the odd rainy weather of LA for me… Feeling grateful for the time spent and the ability to seek adventure on any old weekend of the year. I’m not religious, but I’m truly blessed to see the country, plan trips and see those things I know I’d like to.
During this tough time (regarding the state of our country, specifically), I still feel grateful to be an American. To be a Californian, a skater and a free man in these contrived times. As we approach the end of this first month of 2017, I wish everyone a great New Year and an extraordinary year ahead.
The world is still beautiful.
- 7Ply Epic
During this tough time (regarding the state of our country, specifically), I still feel grateful to be an American. To be a Californian, a skater and a free man in these contrived times. As we approach the end of this first month of 2017, I wish everyone a great New Year and an extraordinary year ahead.
The world is still beautiful.
- 7Ply Epic