Class Reunion Eastern Caribbean Cruise - Barbados

Welcome to Barbados! Photo by Chris. All rights reserved.

There's nothing quite like waking up on vacation and not having anything scheduled until afternoon. We had a leisurely breakfast in the dining room, where I enjoyed a whole lot of pineapple and the eggs Benedict. Delicious!

We decided to get off the ship to check out the dockside shopping. There is always plenty of shopping very close to the ship; in many cases, you actually have to walk through an enclosed shopping area to leave the dock. Some shops are at each major port of call, and I understand there are some deals to be had on big-ticket jewelry items, if that's your interest. It isn't mine, but I do like to take advantage of the “freebies” they offer to get you in the door (small pendants, tiny gemstones, and so on). Sometimes, it's a quest!

For instance, at Diamonds International (just to name one off the top of my head), there's an inexpensive charm bracelet you can purchase, and it comes with a “free” charm representing the port you are currently visiting. The idea is to collect the “free” charms at each port, to fill up your bracelet. And also to get you to walk past the display cases and eager salespeople on the way to the very back of the shop, where you might have to wait a while before someone condescends to give you your “free” charm. Naturally, they're hoping you'll be tempted with actual purchases. And who can blame them? They aren't in business just to meet new people. For me, the adventure is in getting in and out of the shop with my charm in as little time as possible.

We checked out the departure area
so we'd know where to go later.
Photo by Chris. All rights reserved.

Waiting for our tour to board.
Photo by Chris. All rights reserved.

Then it was back to the ship for a quick lunch at the buffet, where I consumed entirely too much absolutely fabulous smoked salmon. Just put a little dollop of cream cheese on there, roll it up, and pop it in your mouth. Wow. The simple pleasures are the best, yes?

We had booked an afternoon coast-to-coast tour of the island, which Bob and Karen had visited previously. The weather was the weather: overcast, drizzly, breezy, and cool. Well, comparatively cool, keeping in mind the tropical location.

We passed lots of this type of
construction. Cute! Barbados
Photo by Chris. All rights reserved.

There was also lots of this type. Barbados.
Photo by Chris. All rights reserved.

Our comfortable tour bus took us from Bridgetown up the coast a bit, past ritzy hotels and fancy neighborhoods and golf courses, and soon we were climbing from sea level, past sugar cane fields, to a mountaintop look-out, where we stopped for a complimentary rum punch and some snacks. And then we dropped down to the other side of the island, to the ruggedly dramatic beach at Bathsheba. In the sunshine, this must be spectacular, because it was gorgeous in the weather we were experiencing.

The beach at Bathsheba. Barbados.
Photo by Chris. All rights reserved.

St. John's Parish Church
Barbados
Photo by Chris.
All rights reserved.

St. John's Parish Church, built in 1836, is the newest incarnation of a church in this location, starting with a (presumed to be) wooden structure in the 1640's. Fires and hurricanes have had their way with the building over the years. A visit there was a high note for me. The church is quite well situated, has an intriguing cemetery, and overlooks magnificent vistas. And, of course, it is beautiful.

St. John's Parish Church
Barbados
Photo by Chris.
All rights reserved.

We saw a kind of residential subdivision going up. They were said to be “starter” homes, close together. But they were pretty large, built high up on cinder block pilings so that the ground floor was open and unfinished, with the living quarters actually on the second floor. I've seen houses like this in flood zones, but we were told that the idea here is to start with the second floor completed, then add in rooms downstairs as the family grows. In the meantime, there's plenty of covered parking for wrecked cars!

One of these was at the other dock.
Must be rough, eh?
Photo by Chris. All rights reserved.

Back on the ship, we had some ice cream with Kathi and Marsha and Reyna, and we were on deck for the sail away. Dinner was amazing. I had a cod fritter appetizer, followed by Asian broth soup and Waldorf salad, then a veal chop with polenta and asparagus. For dessert, I had panna cotta with raspberry coulis. Yum. Harry had an appetizer of braised beef with gnocchi, followed by tomato soup and a Waldorf salad, then seafood orzo and a dessert of crème brûlée. I know. Your mouth is watering, right? Mine is, too, just thinking about it. I think I'd better go up and down the stairs a few times, just to burn off the calories accumulating in my imagination!

Chillin' on deck.
Photo by Chris. All rights reserved.

The show that night featured comedian Fred Klett. His act featured clean,hilarious stories (click for a video) of growing up in a big family, and he picked on the audience uproariously. Our little group liked Fred so much that we decided to stay up until all hours so we could see him again at “Late Night Liar's Club.” What outrageously good liars they all were. It was so worth the expected next day's exhaustion!

Can you smell them? Awesome.
Photo by Chris. All rights reserved.

Class Reunion Eastern Caribbean Cruise - A Day at Sea

Day at Sea
Photo by Chris. All rights reserved.

I always look forward to a full day at sea while on a cruise. Generally, I like it to be closer to the end of the cruise; however, since our classmates hadn't yet had an opportunity to all be together in one room, it worked out well for us that this day was at the beginning. And a gorgeous day it was!

The buffet was crowded with happy
people. Here's part of our group.
Photo by Chris. All rights reserved.

We went to the breakfast buffet (early...too early...), where we met several of those in our group. The food at breakfast is varied, with all kinds of self-serve options in addition to the cooked-to-order variety. This first morning on board, I did a recon mission. I like to get the lay of the land, to see what is being served where and to make tentative decisions about my choices. After all, you don't want to fill up your plate with bagels and cream cheese and a container of yogurt, only to find out that you could have had eggs Benedict or a custom omelet right around the corner!

The smoking area is roomy,
comfortable, and has a full bar.
Photo by Chris. All rights reserved.

We'd heard that the Colorado contingent would be aft (rear of the ship) on the same deck after breakfast, waiting for us. Some of the smokers in the group spent quite a bit of time aft, as that was the only place where smoking was allowed. If you are a smoker, don't be offended by this. It's just that the rest of us – especially those with breathing issues – have a hard time with smoke. Plus, not everyone is as careful as you are, and a ship on fire is nobody's idea of a wonderful time (with the possible exception of pyromaniacs, but let's hope none of those are on board). If you smell smoke in the hallway, it might be a good time to be concerned. There's a reason for all of these rules and regulations about not smoking in your room, not smoking on your balcony, and all that. So, thanks for enjoying those cigars in the right place, classmates, and for letting us hang out with you. I hope our company and the excellent libations available at the outdoor bar made up for the inconvenience.

At 11 a.m., we gathered in the conference center for a meet and greet, and everyone (classmates, friends, family, neighbors who heard about the price and decided to join the fun) in our group was there. This is where you normally get a little nervous, because you know you are not going to recognize everyone. And then there's the possibility they might not recognize you, either, because you don't look a thing like you did all those years ago. But you didn't hear that from me. That's what name badges are for!

You first. No, you first. Here, I'll hide
behind you. Readying the group shot.
Photo by Chris. All rights reserved.

And then we went to the grand staircase for a group photo. What an adventure that was, deciding who would be in the front row and who would be prevented from hiding behind a really tall person in the back row. We were taking turns photographing everyone with our own cameras, but it's hard to be in a picture when you're taking one (other than a selfie, of course, and you know I love to take those). Cathy was able to convince some of the crew members to take “official” photos. Well, it didn't take any convincing, really. All you have to do is ask. They are there to make your vacation fabulous, because they want you to come back.

Cathy's awesome at organizing!
Photo by Chris. All rights reserved.

Guess what? It was lunch time! Back to the buffet to peruse the selections in pursuit of the perfect light meal. Mission accomplished. I may have mentioned before that if you are physically able to do so, I highly recommend going up and down the stairs rather than taking the elevator. Your scale will be glad you did when you get back home!

After lunch, we strolled around the shops and boutiques (plenty of places to browse) and ended up at the Café for a latté with the seven or eight classmates. Jordan Peterson happened to be performing, and everyone agreed with us. He's terrific. And then we made our way to the Solarium for a dip in the wave pool, which we were not unpleasantly surprised to find was salt water, and warm. The hot tub was not hot at all, but it was warm enough to be comfortable.

After a stop at Bob and Karen's room for a piña colada, we returned to our cabin to get ready for formal night. Nap, shower, shampoo, and off to dinner with Marsha, Kathi, Bob, and Karen. Cathy and Fred were at the next table, so there were plenty of visits and conversation back and forth.

Isn't my appetizer gorgeous?
Delicious, too.
Photo by Chris. All rights reserved.

Here's what we ate: I started this fabulous meal with an appetizer of salmon with caviar, followed by strawberry (cold) soup and a tomato/cucumber salad. My entrée was beef tornado with green beans and potatoes, and I enjoyed Cherries Jubilee for dessert. Harry started with a shrimp cocktail followed by yellow corn cream soup and Caesar salad. He also had the beef tornado and, for dessert, the crème brûlée.

Don't we look nice?
Photo by Bob. All rights reserved.

We all went to the Celebrity All-Stars show, “iHollywood,” which was great fun, and then rushed off to have formal portraits taken. As previously mentioned, you will have plenty of photo-ops with the professional photographers on the ship. Formal night seems like a good time to have your picture taken on purpose, since you will be all dressed up and looking fine! Gentlemen, you do not have to wear a tux. If you have a suit, awesome. Otherwise, a shirt, tie, and sports jacket will be just fine. Ladies, you know what to do. No offense, guys.

Karen and Bob,
we love traveling with you.
Photo by Chris. All rights reserved.

On our way from one end of the ship to the other, we happened upon Karaoke at one of the lounges. Some of the performers, including Ian from England (singing “Mack the Knife”), were superb. Others, not so much. We had a wonderful time on a number of levels.

For a “relaxing day at sea,” this one was pretty busy. Traveling with a large group is not at all the same as traveling with a small one. Which is not to say that it isn't enjoyable. It's just different. Don't be in a hurry, and do try to organize something, such as our meet and greet, so everyone can feel comfortable, relaxed, and included. Today, we had an opportunity to "catch up" with our classmates and friends. It was a good day.

Class Reunion Eastern Caribbean Cruise - All Aboard the Celebrity Summit

A walk on the beach - Isla Verde
Photo by Chris. All rights reserved.

Harry and I got up bright and early (7:30 a.m.) because there were children running and shouting in the hallway (thanks, kids...), got ourselves ready for the day, and went downstairs to join our classmates for the breakfast buffet. I then went for a walk on the beach, partly because I love the way the sand feels between my toes, the way the air smells so fresh by the water, the way the breeze cools my skin in the warm sun. And partly because walking on the beach reminds me of my mother's love for walking on the beach.

We had a gathering out by the pool to discuss plans for the day. You know what? It's hard to make a plan for the day when there are a lot of people involved who haven't preplanned their day. But that's okay, because this reunion wasn't about rushing around from one attraction to another. It was about being together and enjoying each other's company and conversation. And, already, the time and distance that had separated us had evaporated. We were looking forward to seeing the others on the ship!

The problem with hotels is that they have check-out times. Conveniently, those mini-van taxis park themselves right outside the front door of the hotel. Imagine that! And the fare to the cruise terminal is the same as the fare from the airport to the hotel, even though the distance is several miles more. Imagine that! If you hold your purse (which, naturally, on a trip like this, is going to be the size of a beach bag) in your lap, it doesn't count as baggage. But if you happen to throw it or your camera bag or whatever in the back, well, that'll be another dollar. Word of warning.

We arrived at the cruise ship terminal an hour ahead of time. We were thinking about checking our luggage there and going out to explore Old San Juan for a while; but, before we knew it, we had sailed (no pun intended) through the check-in non-lines, boarded the ship in record time, and were on our way to the lunch buffet. I was seriously impressed with the Celebrity Summit's efficient, fast, and early check-in process. My head was spinning. By the way, you'll have an opportunity to have your photo taken as you board the ship. Try to comb your hair and fix yourself up presentably, or you will look like a zombie with a stupid grin on your colorless, exhausted face. Word of warning. No, I didn't buy the picture.

No sooner had we piled our plates up with goodies and found a place to sit right by the entrance than the announcement came that our cabins were ready. Seriously?! I couldn't believe it.

Not all the greetings were this enthusiastic.
But close.
Photo by Chris. All rights reserved.

Marsha and Kathi looking relaxed.
Love this photo!
Photo by Chris. All rights reserved.

We sat in the area right next to the entrance to the buffet line in order to call classmates over as they came in, and each person was greeted with enthusiasm, vigorous handshakes and/or hugs. It was heartwarming and exciting and emotional. We forgot all about getting off the ship as conversations led to meeting times, trips to the ice cream bar, walks on the deck, and unpacking in our rooms. Speaking of unpacking, our luggage arrived almost immediately. What?! Again, super impressed.

Bob & Harry on the veranda.
Photo by Chris. All rights reserved.

We had reserved cabins in two categories: outside cabin with window, and concierge class veranda. Everyone in concierge class was super happy with the service, the room, and the balcony. We had a window cabin, and we were also super happy with the service. But the room smelled like mildew, which I cannot abide. It turned out to be the shower curtain, though it looked fine. A word to the service desk caused that to be swapped out promptly with a new one, and the room smelled great the next time we walked in. That was a relief. And so, if there's something you don't like about your room, don't just tell everybody else in the group about it. Pick up the phone and call the service desk. But some issues, they can't help you with. For instance, if you book three to a room, and one of you isn't a child, then you'd better check ahead of time to see what kind of room you've been assigned. Some ships have pull-down bunks. Others just have fold-out chairs. And there's a world of difference. Just ask the three ladies in our group who chose this option in order to afford the trip.

Bob, Karen, and Harry on deck.
Photo by Chris. All rights reserved.

We shared a dinner table with Harry's brother, Bob (also a class alumnus), and Bob's wife, Karen. And here's what Harry and I had for dinner: I started with the Thai spring roll, followed by tangerine soup (cold...delicious...), then seared ahi salad. My prime rib was prepared perfectly medium rare and was served with mashed potatoes, green beans, and carrots. Harry enjoyed the shrimp louie appetizer, french onion soup, and amazing jerk chicken with mashed potatoes. Oh, no! What's that? It's the lifeboat drill! And we hadn't eaten dessert yet.

We were quickly ushered out of the dining room, our waiter assuring us that our table would be waiting for us after the drill (and it was). We made our way down to the promenade deck, where we found our station and paid a limited amount of attention (as did everyone else) to the ship's crew. There was the obligatory life jacket demonstration and brief instructions on what to do if it's truly an emergency. It was all very business-like and was over quickly. Kind of like the airline safety talk. We returned to the dining room for our desserts. I had “dulce de leche” custard, and Harry had crème brulée. The food, all of it, was most satisfactory. So far, so good.

Old San Juan at Night
Photo by Chris. All rights reserved.

As the ship pulled away about 8 p.m., we slipped past Castillo San Felipe del Morro (“El Morro”) and were soon out to sea, making promises to ourselves to visit the place upon our return. El Morro is very beautiful and romantic at night, the lights accenting the walls and reflecting on the water.

The Revue - excellent entertainment
Photo by Chris. All rights reserved.

After that night's show in the theater, which was a sample revue to tempt us to return night after night, we happened to stop at the piano bar with Electra (classmate) and Jason (her husband) on our way to turn in for the night. There, we were superbly entertained by pianist Jordan Peterson (website). Thank you, Jordan (Facebook), for bringing our day to such a delightful end!

Class Reunion Eastern Caribbean Cruise - Arriving in San Juan

Waiting for the red-eye.
Photo by Chris. All rights reserved.

Over a year in the planning (special thanks to Cathy), the Class of '68 45-year Reunion Cruise came together before we knew it. With about 20 cabins reserved – some by classmates, some by family members, some by friends – it was going to be a whirlwind of activity, friendship, and reconnection. At least, that was our hope.

You may wonder why we would embark on such an undertaking on such a weird anniversary. Not 40. Not 50. But 45? Well, here's the thing: Our class gets together every five years. We're strange that way, but we like each other a lot. We had been losing boatloads (no pun intended) of classmates all of a sudden. It was sort of panic inducing, really, to think of waiting another five years before doing something really grand together. Most class reunions take place in one lovely soiree. You get to the hotel ballroom (or the high-school gym), you have a nice dinner, you dance a little, and you spy so-and-so from across the room. Maybe you get a chance to go over and say, “Hi! How have you been? Oh, look! There's so-and-so!” And maybe you don't. But, either way, you've done nothing more than intend to have a conversation that never really happens. And then you go home, and you wonder why you're disappointed and don't like class reunions. So you don't go next time. You don't realize that what you're missing is relationship. We didn't want that to be us.

A contingent from our part of the country traveled together to San Juan, taking the exact same route as Harry and I had done for our wedding anniversary cruise. It was equally fabulous, so I won't recount it here. We were excited to meet up with another classmate at the Charlotte airport for the last leg of the trip, so it didn't matter that much that I still can't sleep on planes and still need to remember to bring Benadryl or something and still didn't do so. Okay. I've carried on enough about that. So what, right?

Selfie with Bob & Karen, hanging out
in the lounge in the lobby.
Photo by Chris. All rights reserved.

The happy news is that there were no luggage issues this time around. Nothing was stolen out of our bags, no bags went missing...all good! We all climbed into a mini-van cab and were happy to pay the $20 (split amongst us) plus $1 per bag to go the one mile or so to our hotel, the Hampton Inn in Isla Verde. The same Hampton Inn we stayed in previously. It had lots of things to recommend it, besides being highly ranked (#1) on Trip Advisor: cozy in size, affordable, convenient, comfortable, available, poolside restaurant, swim-up bar, and with breakfast included. Surprisingly, the front-desk staff remembered us...or the computer remembered us, whichever! Still, it was nice to check in to a warm welcome.

The beach at the Courtyard. Kinda makes you want to
see it in person, doesn't it? Your hammock awaits you...
Photo by Chris. All rights reserved.

As more of those of us who were staying there for the night arrived, we gathered in the lobby and poolside. We had intended to go sight-seeing, but we were all exhausted and settled comfortably in our deck chairs, forming conversation groups and happily greeting each other. Later, after perhaps one too many appetizers (free on Friday night) and some adult beverages (free on Friday night) at “our” place, we walked along the beach to meet Cathy and Fred and others at “their” place, the Courtyard by Marriott Beach Resort, for a lovely buffet dinner with too many salad options to mention. I'm sure you can look it up on their website if you're interested. The Courtyard is just a few bucks more than the Hampton Inn, is much larger, and is right on the beach. If that's what you're looking for either before or after (or both) your cruise out of San Juan, stop reading right now and make your reservations!

Some of our classmates arrived several days ahead of the cruise to explore the island. Some of us opted to arrive just one day before, giving us an opportunity to rest, rejuvenate, and spend a little time together before boarding the ship. Some of us (ourselves included) were planning to spend a few extra days on the island after the cruise. Whichever way you decide to do it, you'll have a wonderful time in beautiful Puerto Rico. Please don't just stay in San Juan overnight and think you've seen the island. Although San Juan is a lot of fun, come to think of it...

Where Have You Been?!

Hi, friends,

Engagement Photo!
Courtesy of Malcolm Slight
www.imagesbymalcolm.com

I'm glad you're enjoying my travel diaries, and it's certainly a privilege (and fun) to share them with you. You've been reminding me it's been quite a while since I posted anything (and I have LOTS of great misadventures to blog). I think I've got a pretty good excuse: I've been kinda busy planning my lovely daughter's October wedding. You could say it's been a distraction. I toyed with the idea of blogging about that but decided against it for her sake. Oh, the stories I would tell, if only I thought I could get away with it...

Fear not! I plan to be back very soon. In the meantime, please continue enjoying my vintage posts and sending suggestions for exotic (or not) locations you'd like me to visit so you can read about all the bad planning, dicey situations, and not-so-great travel arrangements leading to my Adventures in Paradise. The whole earth is a paradise created for our enjoyment. Sometimes the beauty is readily apparent, and other times not so much. That's what makes travel an adventure!

'Til next time,
Chris

California Dreamin' - Morro Bay, Hearst Castle, and Beyond!

View of Morro Rock from the marina.
Photo by Chris. All rights reserved.

Morning came, and off we went to Morro Bay as we continued our drive up Highway 1. Thank you, Steve and Jessie and boys, for your welcoming hospitality. And the homemade bread was pretty tasty, too, Jessie!

Morro Bay is not a very big town, but its waterfront shops and restaurants and marina are all absolutely lovely. There's this big rock (Morro Rock) in the bay that's a major landmark...and also a power plant that's been closed down. There's kind of a love/hate relationship with that particular landmark, but there it still is, begging for a photo.

The power plant from the marina.
Photo by Chris. All rights reserved.

It was yet another spectacular day, with bright sunshine and calm breezes and balmy temperatures. We stopped for a latte at a little indoor/outdoor place right on the water. Again, the waitress gave Harry a hard time. Either they all think he's awfully cute, or they are going for the big tip. Either way, it makes him a happy camper. It's all good. Just for good measure, I happened to find a few tiny things to purchase. It seemed like a good idea at the time, and I hope I'll have occasion to wear the clothing at some point.

The Central California Coast
Photo by Chris. All rights reserved.

We made our way up Highway 1, stopping here and there to admire the sand and surf of the California coast, a different panorama appearing with every twist and turn. What an enjoyable drive! We walked along the water's edge wherever we felt like stopping. There was no agenda and no schedule. It was awesome.

Hearst Castle appears.
Photo by Chris. All rights reserved.

Suddenly, we saw Hearst Castle appear on a hilltop, floating over a majestic sweep of undulating countryside. The setting is magical and overlooks miles of coastline. Really, what could we? Of course we stopped for a tour. Without a reservation! I know!

Hearst Castle
Photo by Chris.
All rights reserved.

We toured the sumptuous upstairs suites and the expansive gardens and, of course, the swimming pools that everyone has seen in dozens of pictures already. Oh, my. My imagination ran wild. What must it have been like to be a guest of William Randolph Hearst for the weekend at this fanciful place, secluded on the coast, being flown in from Los Angeles on Mr. Hearst's plane and landing on the private airstrip and being chauffeured up the hill, the buildings appearing and disappearing and reappearing as the road curved to the right and the left and the right and the left, higher and higher, and closer and closer on approach? How many gowns and tennis outfits and swimsuits would be packed carefully into how many suitcases and bags? Would I arrive, only to find I'd left my shoes at home? Oh, the horror!

One of the guest cottages.
Photo by Chris.
All rights reserved.

And, because our daughter is soon to be married, I imagined what it would be like to reserve the gardens and terraces for a wedding. Which you can totally do, if you happen to have the considerable rental fee handy in your bank account. One of the docents regaled us with stories of parties past, which I won't share here (as it wouldn't be prudent), of the super wealthy and entitled. At any rate, the stories were entirely entertaining and delightful, and I'm sure the parties concerned wouldn't mind at all if I knew about how their guests were throwing up in the flower pots and falling into the swimming pools and behaving in a manner generally unacceptable to average people. But I digress.

If you happen to be driving up the coast and find yourself in the general vicinity of San Simeon, you really must stop at Hearst Castle. What a treat for the senses. The vistas are superb. The gardens are made for meandering. The rooms are luxuriously appointed. The library is stocked with all sorts of rare volumes. The pools are enticing, yet forbidden. Really, what could be more appealing? And though we were perfect guests, we were not invited to stay for a few days. Tragic! I'm sure you can imagine my disappointment; however, I managed to maintain a stiff upper lip as our shuttle returned to the visitor center.

See all those rocks on the beach? They are elephant seals.
Photo by Chris. All rights reserved.

Heading north on Highway 1 once again, we came upon a stretch of beach that was absolutely overrun by enormous elephant seals, sunning themselves and occasionally moving just enough to add a thin layer of sand. Perhaps it helps to avoid sunburn, I wondered? Amazing! We were glad we stopped.

And then we headed north again, past Big Sur and Carmel and Monterey and Seaside and Salinas and San Jose. We had dinner at a new Chinese restaurant in Milpitas that had the very best tofu I've ever tasted. Creamy. Light. Coated in just the right amount of sauce. When I complimented the chef to the waitperson, she just looked at me with a bemused expression on her face. The sort of look that makes you feel stupid for saying anything.

And then we were home again, having fully intended to spend more time on the coast, yet not realizing how quick the drive really is. Besides, when you find yourself within an hour or two of home, wouldn't you rather sleep in your own bed than toss and turn in a hotel room, punching the pillow to make it fit the contours of your neck and head? Of course you would.

California Dreamin' - Pacific Coast Highway to Los Osos

Breakfast at Paul's
Photo by Chris. All rights reserved.

Too soon, it was time to leave the OC (Orange County, California) and start the drive home. But first, Dave joined us for breakfast at Paul's Pantry, where the waitress was energetic and sassy and the food was hot and plentiful. I love a diner atmosphere in the morning. Looking out the window at the spectacular weather, palm trees, and flowers made me wish we were staying on for a few more days. Or years. I seem to feel that way about every place I visit, don't I? Our friends Dave and Reggie had been wonderful hosts and great company. It was hard to leave. It always seems to be. [Thanks again, Dave and Reggie. Looking forward to seeing you at our place soon!]

The coastline in Southern California looks so much
different than in Northern California!
Photo from moving vehicle (again) by Chris.
All rights reserved anyway.

We decided to drive up the coast rather than going back home the same way we had come. It had been many years since we'd been up the PCH (Pacific Coast Highway), Highway 1. What a beautiful drive it is. Blue skies, beaches, palm trees, surfers riding waves. Massive homes on the edges of cliffs, overlooking the panorama. I thought of scenes from films, with large gatherings of beautiful people dripping in diamonds and designer clothing, sipping cocktails on the pool terrace while the sun sets. Not something I'm likely to experience anytime soon, probably. But daydreams can be wonderful things.

Just because you can never see enough sunsets...
Photo by Chris. All rights reserved.

Beach Boys music played softly in the background of my thoughts as we passed Malibu, Ventura, Santa Barbara, Pismo Beach...and we realized it wouldn't take long to get to Los Osos, where our nephew and his family are happily ensconced. And so, on the spur of the moment, we decided to drop in on Stephen and Jessie and the boys, just to say, “Hello!” We had intended to stay at a hotel in San Luis Obispo or Morro Bay, but they wouldn't hear of it, even though they were preparing to leave for a weekend camping trip. Yes, we really do have that kind of family. Are we blessed, or what? Steve and Jessie are very environmentally minded, and Steve has built an addition to their home that's made of straw bales. It's an all-purpose room with study areas, couches, and the guest quarters. The thickness of the walls surprised me, as did the smooth stucco covering. The windows are set deep into the walls, so the windowsills act as shelves, with plenty of room for knick knacks or pictures. Jessie is working on smooth stone mosaics to cover the shelf surfaces. The room is pleasant and comfortable. I was proud and impressed at their skills.

The Green Flash forming.
Photo by Chris. All rights reserved.

We arrived just in time to rush up to the state park, leave our vehicles, and admire the beautiful sunset over the Pacific Ocean. As the sun dipped, we saw “The Green Flash!” Wow! Not just any green flash, either, but a huge one! It was the first time I'd ever seen this environmental phenomon happen, and how special to share it with Steve's little boys. All of us held our breaths for a moment. It was so unexpected and wonderful and thrilling.

Steve and Jessie at Sylvester's
Photo by Chris. All rights reserved.

What could we do after that but go to their favorite burger joint to celebrate? Sylvester's serves up a fantastic burger. If you don't like the Hearst Ranch beef, you can try the elk or buffalo or turkey or chicken or black bean or veggie or...well, just check out the menu on the link. They have a couple of locations, but the one in Los Osos is the original. There are lots of entertaining “customer birthday” photographs on the walls and ceiling. The restaurant is casual, and the staff is friendly. Los Osos seems like it would be a relaxed place to live. Well, once the city is all finished tearing up the whole place to put in the sewer system, anyway!

View of the sandspit, Morro Bay, from Los Osos
Photo by Chris. All rights reserved.