April 1, 2012

Back on the Road

After spending a lazy few days in Ventura, California, after our trip to the Channel Islands, we finally got our act together this morning and headed northward.  It had been nice to rest for a bit, but we have places to go and things to see.  I think Kitty was happy to leave behind the hummingbird that had been tormenting her just outside our rear window.

That Humingbird Is Driving Me Crazy
The drive along the Pacific Coast is just beautiful, and we haven’t even reached the most scenic stretch.  We mostly drove today on Highway 101, not the Pacific Coast Highway, but the scenery was still magnificent.  After witnessing the high surf that was pounding the coast, we turned inland and drove past mile after mile of vineyards.

Vineyards Line the Valleys
We were disappointed that we were unable to visit with Tom and Marcia in Santa Maria, since they were out of town, but we stopped in town anyway for lunch. 

We reached Morro Bay late this afternoon and are camping at Morro Bay State Park.  This is our first stay at a state park in California, and it’s a very nice one.  The sites are a bit closer together than in other state parks we’ve visited, but the location is perfect.  I was able to catch a glimpse of Morro Rock, an immense 23-million-year-old volcanic landmark at the entrance to the bay.  We’ll get a closer look tomorrow.

Morro Rock
View from the Marina
Morro Bay State Park was established in 1934, and many features of the park, including its stone structures, were built by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC).  It’s truly amazing how many of the state and national parks we’ve visited were transformed by the CCC.  For me, the CCC and the National Park Service were two of the best Federal programs ever created.

The CCC Built Finely-Crafted Stone Structures
Even the Picnic Tables and Benches Are Built of Stone
Pretty Flowers Are Everywhere

4 comments:

  1. Hummingbirds, vineyards, rocks and flowers. These are a few of my favorite things!! ha ha LV

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    1. LV, We just love it when we can do a post with your favorite things! Sarah

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  2. Those hummingbirds can really llet you know if you are in their way.
    I have always wanted to drive up the coast. Another one for the bucket lost. Love A

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    1. A, That hummingbird was actually pecking on the side of the RV, just like a woodpecker. I think we were near its nest. You would love the drive up the Pacific Coast Highway. I think its one of the most scenic and awe-inspiring drives in the entire country. Sarah

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