One of the big draws in Pismo Beach is the Monarch Butterflies. They come every year from late October through February and cluster in the limbs of the Eucalyptus and Monterey Pines in the area. They travel over the Sierra Mountains and west of he Rockies, and some come from as far away as Canada to escape the colder temperatures of the north! I was really excited to go see them, so that was the first thing on our list. I was really expecting to see thousands fluttering around and the trees all golden from their clusters. Well...it wasn't quite like that...We saw dozens flying very high above us, and we had to look into a telescope to see the clusters, which we could then, but only then. The volunteers explained that it was still pretty cold for them - they like it well above 55 degrees, and it was still only hovering around 59-60, so they were keeping themselves pretty "closed up" for now. They said their numbers (at best-guess count) was around 25,000. I sure couldn't see how they did that from where I was standing, but guess they are better at it than I! One of them took a picture for me through the telescope, not so great, but better than "nothing". Sure not the "experience" I had been expecting, but, was fun anyway!
Our next adventure we thought we would try was to go out to the lighthouse in Avila Beach. So, off we went! Nice, long, long drive (why are so many, so far away and on long winding roads?) Well, when we finally got to the beach, guess what? You can only see it via a "tour" that only goes out on Wednesdays, by reservation...and, of course, it wasn't Wednesday! Should of checked first...dang. Oh well. We had a nice walk along their pier and met some very cute seals sun bathing and even saw an adorable California sea otter swimming right next to us! We had a delious lunch, then headed back again...as the rain started up once more.
If you know anything at all about California, you know that Father Juniper Serra began a chain of Franciscan Missions all along the coast. San Luis Obispo de Tolosa is the fifth, and one we hadn't seen yet. Between the rain drops, we ventured out and I was able to get some wonderful pictures of the beautiful old mission that was built in 1772. The original padres' residence is now a museum and had some great artifacts with pictures from days gone by as well.
We tootled around town a bit, and peeked into a few stores and galleries. Even stopped to see "bubblegum alley" where people have stuck probably millions of chewed gum on the two alley walls over many years..."almost" art! ;-)
We drove another day to Cambria, dodging more rain & sun & rain & sun. Peeking in their various art galleries and shops. My favorite was a piece made completely with 1960's flower pins! ("Peace" by Michael Courville) Cute town, lovely lunch.
We left Pismo Beach and spent the next night parked along side Rincon Beach just outside of Ventura for the night. First day and night without any rain whatsoever! We were given the most spectacular sunset we've seen in many months! Such a lovely gift. We were even able to built a little fire that night it was such a wonderful evening. Next morning the tide came in full blast with waves splashing up against the rocks, pure beauty. We hated to leave...but San Diego & our friends were waiting on us...
...kicking back in San Diego, Marie
If you wish to view the rest of the photos from this trip, you can at my Flickr account at: http://www.flickr.com/photos/74905158@N04/
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