So, we left Monterey Bay and headed south to San Luis Obispo. You can tell you're in Castroville when you see monuments to the Artichoke!
It IS the artichoke capital of the world, and they're not kidding! Artichoke fields as far as the eye can see.
We got on to highway 101 at Salinas. We saw a shopping center with lots of open parking lot space and decided it was time to check our email. There is something just SO satisfying about pulling off the road, parking, and being home! We raised the satellite dish and within minutes we had Internet and could go to work. We put a chicken in the convection/oven/broiler and had some lunch. I even took a little nap.
Then we got back on our way down a road that I have traveled many, many times. To me, Highway 101 is the definition of highway.
It's all relatively flat, traveling a valley in between two mountain ranges. That is, until just before San Luis Obispo. There you go down a steep grade which presents you with quite a view.
And, here we are. Parked in front of Liz's house in San Luis Obispo. It's pretty level and our power cord reaches into her garage. Hey Liz! I think we'll stay here for a couple months!
..... just kidding.
Here's Liz in her kitchen which she says is too small to do any serious cooking!
Can you tell what she thinks about our kitchen?
Stan decides to see how it feels in the driver's seat. He says he's not interested in the RV lifestyle, but I think he looks pretty comfortable, don't you?
And here we are all enjoying one of Liz's gourmet dinners. I always learn something when I watch Liz cook. For a salad, she cuts the lettuce with scissors, and sprays on the vinegar. Dessert was apricot sorbet. She made it herself in an ice cream maker. Here's the ingredients:
apricots (blended and frozen)
Yummy.
What a view!
When we were close we started looking for the tupperware container with the 'cache' in it. Maybe it's this rock.
We never did find the cache. Jim actually admits the possibility that he caused our failure by entering the last two digits of the Lat/Lon numbers into the GPS incorrectly. But, he explains patiently, the cause is more likely something that I did ... he just hasn't thought of what that could be yet!
In any case, we had a great walk, saw some beautiful flowers ... and, we'll try again today!
And then you catch a glimpse of the 'Castle on the Hill'.
When I first saw Hearst Castle (25 years ago) I was still a anti-establishment-hippie-chick and I didn't really want to go see this disgusting display of conspicuous consumption. But I did. And I was stunned. William Randolph Hearst and his architect Julia Morgan had GOOD taste! This has to be one of the most beautiful sights in the world. I visited many times while I lived here. Jim came with me another time just 10 years ago, and now again yesterday. It never fails to overwhelm me with it's beauty.
Although the rooms are furnished with pricesless art - they also look very comfortable. You try to imagine what it must have been like to be one of the lucky ones invited to stay for a weekend.
The oldest piece of art on the property is an Egyptian sculpture of Sekhmet, the Lion-Headed Goddess.
But, our favorite is Galatea on a Dolphin. She just makes you feel like kicking back and enjoying the scenery!
And we get to be part of her life for a few days. She works as Development Director for the 
The first thing she says they need is a good name, not just SLO Botanical Gardens. She really likes "