Morro Bay and SLOBG

Morro Bay is so beautiful. We visited the museum - right across the street from the State Park. They have the best views. Just down the road ... we took a drive out to another nearby park - Montaña de Oro Spectacular. One problem though. Dogs are NOT ALLOWED on any of the trails. boo hoo. But, actually I wasn't too dissappointed. I saw SO much poison oak all along the roadway, that I didn't think I was up to a hike anyway. Although, I really do want to get out on those dunes one of these days and I think this is the best access except maybe for kayaking across the bay. One way or another, leaving Odie home and going for a hike, or paddling in the cold and wind, we'll get to those dunes before we leave. One of the best days in my memory was spent on those dunes in 1982. Daydreaming. Just down the road from our camp is "The Inn at Morro Bay" where, by pure coincidence, the Annual Dinner of the San Luis Obispo Botanical Garden (SLO BG) was being held last night. SLOBG is Liz's job and her passion these days, so, she got us tickets to attend the dinner. We *even* got dressed! We actually knew a few people from dinners the last couple weeks. And, Jim makes friends SO easily! The lady in red here is Mary Ann. She is Liz' friend who joined us for the Picasa lesson. She liked it so much she scheduled a class at her house and has 5 or 6 people coming! She is what you call a 'mover and shaker'. And a fun lady too! The crowd in attendance for this annual dinner was really impressive. What a cool project. Not just a garden, but a world-class attraction, is what they have in mind. Visit the Monterey Aquarium, then a little further south to Hearst Castle, then a little further south to the Botanical Garden. The master plan calls for complete experiences of all 5 mediterranean climate zones: California, Chile, Australia, South Africa and Mediterranian. There is a major visitor center, all built with sustainable technologies. A beautiful dream. They really need a name better than SLOBG though dontcha think? Just not very inspiring. Something like the Eden Project in England. Work on it Lizzie! This morning we grabbed a cup of coffee at The Rock Espresso Bar. They had 3 computers in this little shop that patrons could use, or bring your laptop and use the WiFi. The owner said lots of folks call it their 'Coffice'. We took our coffe and braved the cold to let Odie run on the beach down by the Rock. What Joy! There were actually people braving the cold (low 50s) and taking their surfboards into the ocean! brrrrrrrr Aaaaaahhhh to be young and foolish! But wait, what's this? Old and foolish ... even better!