Southern California: Exploring the San Luis Obispo Area

Happy….following Tuesday! Skipped a week on posting and I have no excuse, just got lazy and hermit like and didn’t really feel like writing. This week I am reflecting on our week of exploring around the San Luis Obispo area. As you will see from the photos below, the beaches were the highlight of the trip. Now for a little explanation of why we chose this spot!

If you’ve been keeping track of my weekly social media Saturday posts you will already know the backstory for why we (really just Jay) chose this area. Thanksgiving,- or what I like to call Gratitude Day to separate it from the not so nice history of Thanksgiving- is really our favorite holiday of the year. It’s my favorite because usually it is spent with family enjoying each other and great food while being grateful for all the good in our lives without the expectation of presents. The last two thanksgiving’s haven’t been with family and close friends since all of our immediate family and long time friends are back east primarily, but at least we’ve still had each other and during one year (this year) had holiday themed foods and zoom chat with family.

Last year however we just had each other so the day didn’t seem all that different from any other day. We had planned to be exploring the Joshua Tree area in California but got snowed/rained out. Not wanting to spend the whole time in the car and tent, we looked south in Arizona for maybe some better weather, but found that it was raining and blah there as well. Not having planned to just stay home for Gratitude Day, we didn’t have any holiday themed food, and honestly I don’t remember at all what we ate, probably just some food we had around the house like soup or pasta. So to be blunt, it was a bit of a downer as far as holiday’s go.

This year Jay really wanted to make up for last year, and even though once again we would not be able to spend it with family, we knew we could still make it memorable and special somehow while still remaining safe and responsible. Since Jay had not seen the Pacific Ocean on the west coast yet and because we (mainly me) wanted to visit somewhere not too dry (the environment the more south you go), under 10 hours away, near the beach, and not too close to a major city, we (again mainly Jay) decided on the San Luis Obispo area!

Although somewhat pricey, this area and the accommodations provided were definitely worth it. Only 10 minutes away from Avila Beach is a private residence on a ranch like lot that rents a tiny home out on Airbnb. Although tiny of course, the space provided is well though out and very cosy to the point where I honestly would consider living there. The hosts are very thoughtful and accommodating and their several animals are very friendly and social.

The first day of our adventure was primarily spent driving but we were able to arrive before sunset so we made our way down to Avila Beach to hopefully gaze at some warm hues in the sky. As we walked along the beach the sky transitioned from bright blue and yellow to bright pink, orange and purple. Having my feet covered in sand and ocean water again was so calming but invigorating at the same time. After playing in the water and watching the sun set we made our way back to the tiny home to settle in.

The next morning we returned to Avila Beach to explore the opposite end of the beach before having a zoom call with Jay’s family back at the tiny home before beginning the Gratitude Day feast preparations. Spending several hours catching up with family all at once was a tad overwhelming but delightful and fun all the same. After the chat I got to work on making dinner since- and no complaints here because it warms my heart- Jay ended up continuing to talk with his sister for several hours onwards. After stuffing our bellies with delicious food we fell into grateful slumbers.

The next day, after spending the morning zooming with a plethora of individuals from my mothers family, we ventured up to the Morro Bay area and explored the Montaña de Oro State Park. Besides a later event in the trip, one quality of this park gave me a very unexpected and enjoyable experience due to its “memorable to me” nature. As some of you may know- by either personally knowing me or having read in my description or about me section on this site- I have a familial connection to Maui, HI. One of my fond memories over the years from this place is walking through eucalyptus forests while basking in their unique aroma and gazing at their unusual growth. Because I wasn’t expecting this treat while exploring a coastal area, it was that much more enjoyable to experience. If you’d like to experience a virtual drive through the eucalyptus trees, check out my timelapse post on Instagram or Facebook. We then ended the day with a wonderful seafood dinner looking over the ocean while the sun set and then a walk on the boardwalk.

The following morning Jay went exploring to find a locals hike our host had suggested while I had a relaxing slow morning around the tiny house. In the afternoon we visited Pismo Beach but found that we preferred Avila Beach due to its lack of cars driving on the sand “chaotic” effect and more traditional beach characteristics. Later in the day Jay took me over to the same spot for a beautiful arch to ocean view and yet another beautiful Pacific Ocean sunset.

On Sunday I got to experience the second very unexpected and enjoyable experience of this trip, this time due to its spiritual attributes. For several years I’ve been meditating and learning about the Mahayana Buddhist philosophy. This year, due to the pandemic, the center that I had been attending occasionally for teachings and meditation shut down for awhile until transitioning to online classes and mediations. Since I was unemployed and had no idea how long it would last, I sadly chose to save my money and simply have home practice vs. spending it at the center. That morning I decided to search for drop in classes at a center and found one that ran off of minimal donations. While Jay explored Big Sur State Park (I had explored it several years back during a Portland to San Diego coastal road trip- to be written about eventually!) I attended a class online with the Bodhi Path Center of San Luis Obispo. The experience was wonderful and I am happy to say that I was welcomed back for online classes indefinitely. I finished the day with a pleasant walk around the neighborhood with a bit of flower gazing.

We spent our last day- you guessed it- on the beach. While Jay went sea kayaking for the first time in the Pacific Ocean, I explored the Harford Pier area. I spent the first half hour of Jays kayaking experience searching the bay for him but apparently he is speedy and I just happened to be looking at places a step- or stroke- behind. The rest of the time I stared wide-eyed and mesmerized at the Sea Lions and then sat in a small garden area reading while listening to the waves crash.

Our last day was bitter sweet. Although we were sad to leave we are so grateful for this experience. This years Gratitude day was as wonderful as we were hoping it would be and MUCH better than last years expereince.

Well folks, sorry for the delay, but thank you for reading! Can’t promise that next weeks post will happen. With my job, therapy, and other things on my mind, I may be taking a step back and only posting every other week. Hope you’re having a wonderful December so far though and thank you for the continued support!

Mahalo and Kia Ora!