When we decided to move to Puget Sound, it was with a mutual understanding, that we would travel to California often to visit Darrell's daughter and our grandson. It was also agreed that there would be several visits a year from them to our new home. They visited last month, and now it was our turn to drive south for them.
Mt. Baker looms large over the Salish Sea.
We traveled for 3 days from Puget Sound to California's Central Coast.
It was a long, but beautiful drive.
Crossing into California, Mt Shasta at 14,179 feet, can be seen from a distance.
Crossing into California, Mt Shasta at 14,179 feet, can be seen from a distance.
Magnificant Mt.Shasta
We made the drive in between a snow and a rain storm!
And worth every minute of the drive.
We drove to Danville and spent the night with my big sister, and visited my niece and her kiddos before our final destination, Morro Bay.
NOTHING BETTER!
A perfect family day in Morro Bay.
Darrell's daughter, Hana, did a great job taking pictures!
A Morro Bay kind of Christmas tree.
Only Morro Bay could come up with a Christmas tree like this. I love it! Morro Bay holds a special place in our hearts. Darrell and I met there 23 years ago! We both had sailboats there in our twenties to forty-something years. And now we get to visit Hana and Jack there! It's also home to the Morro Bay Yacht Club, which I have been a member of since 1978. We settled into the same hotel we have stayed for the past 3 years. It's on the water and offers great sunset views, a pool and spa for Jack, and a fun restaurant/bar for us to unwind. Jack and Hana also enjoy sleep-over movie nights with us.
Jack got a Christmas Eve call from Santa. Oh My, What great big eye you have! Jack wanted to know how Santa got his phone number. Magic Jack, Magic! B E L I E V E.
Looking from the Morro Bay State Park towards to San Luis Obispo.
A few years back, Darrell and I camped frequently in our Airstream International 25 here. You can check out our Airstream blog, "Tranquila Time", on the right side margin of this blog. We loved that Airstream, but maintaining an Airstream, a cruising boat, and remodeling our home left too little time for playing. There's got to be a balance between time, toys, and play!
The Tropics? Nope, Morro Bay!
Between Darrell and I, we have moored 6 boats in this estuary.
Morro Bay holds a special place in our hearts.
Don't let this calm fool you, it can get gnarly here.
Between Darrell and I, we have moored 6 boats in this estuary.
Don't let this calm fool you, it can get gnarly here.
Quite the sunset show.
A perfect setting for a sunset, and martinis!
And it's just a few short steps to our room.
And it's just a few short steps to our room.
After a sound sleep, we awoke to a mellow sunrise through palm and banana trees.
Good Morning!
Refreshed and ready for a visit to Santa Claus at the Mission in downtown San Luis Obispo.
Jack and Santa, 4 years ago, in Graeagle, California
Jack was born in Graeagle, and he and Hana lived with us for 18 marvelous months.
Jack was born in Graeagle, and he and Hana lived with us for 18 marvelous months.
Jack and Santa
At 4 1/2 years old, Jack is a tall, smart, fun, handsome, engaging boy. He lights up a room, and makes our hearts sing. It's hard living so far from him, but he has already visited our new home, and loves all that Puget Sound has to offer. He's being prepared to captain Scrimshaw for us in our Golden Years.
Jack is definitely not shy.
He asked Santa for a duck!
In fact, we almost had to get a cane to pull Jack away.
He Believes!
Papa got Jack a piano keyboard.
Mimi supplied the Christmas jammies.
Happy Jack.
Our fun didn't end on Christmas. A few days later, we took Jack for the day. We visited the beach, a fantastic new park in San Luis Obispo, and had lunch at the Madonna Inn. I lived in San Luis Obispo for many years, and Alex and Phyllis Madonna were neighbors of mine. I am no stranger to the Madonna Inn, as I used to model for the Madonna's clothing store for the many community fundraisers that Phyllis would host. Last year she helped raise $240,000.00 for the Women's Shelter. For the past 4 decades, I have treated my nieces, and then Hana, and now, Jack to lunch at the Madonna Inn. Papa took Jack downstairs to the infamous men's room with the rock wall, waterfall, and clam shell sinks. Yes, Jack was impressed. He was also impressed with the mile high fluffy pink cloud cake for dessert. Phyllis Madonna, is still spry at 92, and was holding court as her usual pink leather booth behind us. I introduced Jack to her, and he told her, "You make really good cakes"! I think it made her day, I know it made mine.
Dessert...after lunch!
Patiently awaiting lunch, and dessert.
Take the picture, Mimi.
And let me eat my cake!
Thumbs Up!
Madonna's new pink cow.
Only chicken and fries were left-over.
After lunch work out.
Fun was had by all.
And now it's,
NAP TIME!
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