Life of Wry

Carrie and I took off ’bout 10, after loading up with coffees. Carrie’s fun to travel with because she’s all about California history, geology, all matters flora & fauna.. and route setting. She and Marc roadtrip all the time over California’s backroads, so a trip with Carrie is travel over lesser highways and byways.

We headed south on 5, and in Santa Nella hung a big left on 152, driving around the San Luis reservoir. The hills were so green, the sky was so blue, the water was so sparkling, I pretty much gasped for about 10 miles. I was driving, which I prefer and love, but it limits the number of photos I can take. I’d have been snapping pics right and left, as it was just so damn pretty. I’m planning to head that way again next March, hoping it’s a big wet year that yields max green. And I’ll have my camera at the ready.

We drove through Hollister and got on southbound 25, which took us to Pinnacles National Park. SO EXCITED to check the box on another NP!

Carrie brought Nugget sandwiches, which we ate beneath some oaks, pines and sycamores.

So.. I’m glad I saw Pinnacles. We spent only about 90 minutes there, insufficient for experiencing all that the park offers, but I came away somewhat underwhelmed. I could return and try some hikes up around the titular rock formations, I suppose, to get a better sense. I’ll reserve judgment until then.

Speaking of the pinnacles:

Here’re a few photos I grabbed off the web for a better view:

So.. okay, I’ll give Pinnacles another try. I mean, doggies love Pinnacles (look at those smiles)!

It was a nice day.. a couple more that I shot inside the park:

We then continued down 25. The road had almost no traffic. It was windy and fun to drive!! And just incredibly beautiful. Pulled over to take in this view.

Then to 198 and crossed over to 101 that took us to Paso Robles. Super cute town. We wandered around, shopped a bit (tasted and bought olive oil, olives, cookies, some ceramic trays.. all kinds of stuff)..

.. then had a great dinner at Thomas Hill Organics:

We found out that the party at the table next to us included J. Lohr, his son, and a slew of new wine reps who were all trying to make a good impression on the patriarch winemaker. The restaurant primarily carries wines from the Paso Robles area, including J. Lohr (a wine I often buy at the Coop!).

T’was a nice spot.

Following dinner, we drove (in the dark, so no more views) to Los Osos and checked into a bungalow at the fabulous, quaint Back Bay Inn

And a great day #1.