The Pacific Ocean at Last!
After three weeks at the campground in Ramona, CA, visiting, resting, and regrouping, we were on the road again and heading north. Traveling along the California Coast was lovely, with a stop for drinking in the scenery at Avila and Pismo Beaches. We found a campground near San Luis Obispo where we could park for the day, detached the rig, packed up the truck and headed for Morro Bay.
A Relaxing Day at Morro Bay
An Elfin Forest? That Sounds Cool!
After Morro Bay, we had some time before we had to be out of the lot at the campground, so we found an attraction nearby called “Elfin Forest”. With visions of Lord of the Rings and getting swallowed up by a LOTR-style magical forest in mind, we followed the GPS and found said “Elfin Forest.” Not quite what we were expecting, but the trail of boardwalks leading through the stunted shrubbery (the actual reason for the name) and the sunset over the water were actually pretty neat.
“Mountain King” Monterey Bay
Continuing north, we found a very nice RV Park in Gilroy, the “Garlic Capital of the World”. Sure enough, the smell of garlic wafted through our open windows. All. Night. Long. Good thing we like garlic!
We were thrilled to be able to connect with John’s cousin Shawn McSweeney, who accompanied us on a lovely outing to Pacific Grove at Monterey Bay. More rock climbing, lots of shell collecting, and of course, an amazing photo shoot with so many breathtaking sights of God’s creation all around.
Next Bucket List Item: See the Redwoods!
We were a little slow to get moving the following day, but we made it to a local garlic shop in Gilroy and produce stand on our way down to Big Sur, an incredible scenic drive along the California coast.
Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park
We were saddened to hear that landslides resulting from record amounts of rainfall during the previous rainy season had closed the lower part of Route 1 along the coast. Thankfully, we were still able to get to Pfeiffer Park and the two short but delightful trails that were open. The trees we encountered were not the largest Redwoods to be seen, but they were impressive and scratched an itch for adventure in all of us!
OYANers Are Everywhere!
Truckin’ to Truckee!
Ever since meeting and hitting it off with the Kent family at the 2016 OYAN Summer Workshop, we had planned to make their hometown of Truckee, CA, a mandatory stop on our RV adventure. As we saw the signs with the “miles to go” decreasing, our kids could barely contain their excitement. The sight of towering pines blanketing the mountains was comfort to my own heart after driving through so many miles of brown crispy brush.
And Now That Story I Promised…
Let’s Go to Crystal Peak (take 1)
And now the REST of the Story…
Let’s Go to Crystal Peak (take 2)
Over the next 24 hours, Barry and Audrey did a little homework researching a more accessible route to Crystal Peak and we tried again. This time we were also equipped with shovels, pick axes and BUCKETS. We were wiser and full of faith to find those crystals!
That’s all for this post. I hope that you found it “Authentic, Edifying, and Entertaining”. I have two more stories about parking our 42-foot monstrosity that I am excited to share next.
Charlene says
Wow, your family set out for adventure and boy gave you had some! Thanks for sharing so that we can live the adventure vicariously through you all!
Christina says
So glad to have you along. I am trying to talk John into making a little trip to the Eastern Shore in September 🙂 Would be so cool to reconnect!
Rosey says
It seems like the disasters make the best family memories in the long run for some reason. XD
Awesome pictures and stories! 🙂
Christina says
LOL, yes, they do! My poor husband has to go through all these near catastrophes and I’m just sitting there with an impish smile brainstorming for my next post 🙂 Hey, are you an OYANer? I’m trying to place you…
Rosey says
Yess XD Just sitting there like ‘ee hee this’ll make a good story’
Yep, I’m an OYANer. 🙂 Cobalt Girl. I was at SW ’16 and briefly visited ’17.
Mom says
What amazing views of the California coast!! So glad you are experiencing so many varied adventures, seeing the Pacific Ocean, the redwoods, wading in streams (reminds me of my camp days in Girl Scouts), rock climbing, and best of all meeting and interacting with friends and relatives! Even your misadventure on the long and rocky road turned out well and made for a great story! Thanks for taking such beautfiul photos and writing such exciting accounts of your adventures. Praying for safety as you travel east.
Anne says
finally! Thanks!!!!!
Janet Harrington says
Love your stories and your writing gets an “A” from your old teach!
Donna Kerns says
Wow, good post, Chris! You had me worried when you got to the stream bed! Thinking of all of you on your journey. Love, Donna
Mary says
So…you’ve discovered the difference between “elfin” and “elven”! 😀 Big difference…. 😀