Our great plan after Pebble Beach was to head down the coast and kayak at an inlet off the Pacific Ocean. Two things got in the way. First, at Pebble Beach, it was a chilly 60 degrees, 80% humidity and heavily overcast. Who knew that seven hours walking the course would result in a sunburn like we haven't had in years. And we live in Arizona! Due to the cold and mist, we were covered except for our heads, so just our faces were bright red. And Papa's head. No he didn't wear a hat. So, we really didn't need any more sun exposure, roadblock number one.
Second, the temperature was still in the low 60s. For us, that's pretty chilly to be out on the water with the possibility, although slight, of ending up in the cool ocean water. Given those two reasons, it didn't seem smart to go kayaking so we took a pass. The business was very understanding and kind. We will try it again someday. The list of "to dos" in California is building, isn't it? Must mean we will need to plan another trip in the future, right?
Like the previous couple days, the travel itself was interesting. We made our way on country roads through farm country. This time we noticed a line of cars parked along the roadway. Then we noticed close to a hundred farm workers stooped over in the fields with wide-brimmed hats, harvesting some type of leafy vegetable. It occurred to me that this back-breaking work was likely a long eight-hour day for these people. It's hard to fathom the pain of being bent-over for long periods of time day-after-day. We saw field after field of workers. I'm so grateful for their labor.
After skipping the kayaking, we headed to one of our favorite central California beaches, Pismo Beach. It has an awesome pier. There are food vendors, a playground area for kids, and even a fishing vendor where you can rent equipment and buy bait. Benches along the pier allow for fishing. There are surfers in the water below and, no, there isn't "fishing for surfers." The two have enough separation. I thoroughly enjoy the beautiful view of the ocean and the beach from the end of the pier. Often, like today, there are live performers at the park on the opposite, land-side of the pier.
From Pismo, we headed a few miles north to have lunch at a highly reviewed little spot in Shell Beach. Wonderful lunch at Zorro's and only a couple blocks from the ocean, which provided a perfect after lunch walk. Shell Beach isn't developed like Pismo and others, but there is a charm to it. A nice bench to sit and relax while listening to the ocean waves. Lots of birds flying about and claiming the huge rocks as their roost. Colorful plants. What's not to like?
Highway 1 is a beautiful drive, one we have been fortunate to enjoy many times. This time, parts of the road were under repair or completely shut down due to the winter storms and spring melt. This trip, we head inland for a bit to visit a new community that's sparked our interest. More on that excursion next Wednesday.
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