Surfing

Life's been pretty messed up lately.

Today I met up with an old friend and we went down to Santa Cruz and did a bit of surfing. The change of pace was nice. I did call my friend Lynn from the beach to see how she was doing. Her life's been kinda messed up, too. She seemed more cheerful than I expected her to be. Seems like she's OK. That's good.

After surfing we hosed off (literally) and stopped at the crow's nest for a beer and some girl watching.

The weather was good enough for me to go home and toss a chicken on the barbecue. My house mates helped me eat it. I drank a bottle oaky buttery california chardonnay with it.

More Camping

Big Sur to Morro Bay - 91 Miles

Spent the last few days camping, and making my way down the coast of Big Sur in central California. I spent the few nights before that in some really nice hotels, and a man can only take so much really good food and luxury - and if I ever get to that point I'll let you know. But, of course, there is the practical matter of being able to afford this trip down the coast. And I got in some good surfing, too.

Yesterday I met up with a nice group of folks surfing near my campsite on the beach. They were kind enough to invite me to their campfire and to dinner. I'm not sure their campfire was legal - there are a bunch of wild-fires going on here in southern California - and there are signs all over the park saying "no camp fires", but this was out on the beach near the water and the wind was blowing off-shore. Which blows any sparks out to sea - and creates great surfing conditions. They broke out a case of really cheap beer and we drank until the early morning. While I'm not a great fan of american beer, I graciously accepted their hospitality.

One of the girls needed to get to San Luis Obispo today and asked me to give her a lift. I kinda thought that maybe she wanted to spend some time with me alone, but while she was a bit tipsy she said, "I hope you're not the kind of perv that's going to ask me to blow you while you drive." mm-kay... Not that I wouldn't like it, but that kind of thing only happens to the guys who live in Penthouse Forum letters - so I won't be asking. "Nope, I'm not that kind of perv" I replied. I left her to wonder what kind of perv I am. She took a ride with me anyway.

It was nice to have some company on the drive. There's great scenery, but it was good to talk with someone. She made fun of almost all the music on my iPod and tried to figure out my life from the receipts in my glove box - gas, truck repairs, dry cleaning and laundry, too many from burger king, and a bunch from K&L wines in palo alto. She told me that I am anal, since I had the oil changed in my truck at almost exactly 5000 mile intervals, I have gay tendencies since I visited the dry cleaners almost every week - that shows that I cared way to much about clothes to be straight, and that I can not handle my money, as I often spent more than $50 on a bottle of wine. "There's lots of wine there for under $15" I protested. At which point she decided I am an alcoholic. Hmm, what do your receipts say about you?

Anyway, I dropped her off at the college in SLO, and then headed back to Morro Bay, where I found a not-too-expensive hotel - with free WiFi.

I'm going to wash out all the salt and sand out of everything I own.

It's good to back in civilization.

Beach Camping

The middle of nowhere to Shelter Cove - about 35 miles (2 days)

I’m enjoying a warm cup of coffee overlooking the Pacific on a crisp clear autumn morning, after a soul satisfying breakfast. Life is not so bad.

I spent the night before last camping on the beach. Found a great, but very hard to get to, surfing beach. Did a bit of windsurfing, too. Should have brought a backpack. But made a few trips from the road to the beach and I was able to set up camp. Built a small fire from driftwood to cook my food. Slept with my head poking out of the tent to see the stars. The night sky is incredible here. Fell asleep listing to the wave crash on the beach.

Broke camp in the morning and drove north towards a town on the map called Shelter Cove. Turns out to be a small town, with a few Inns, B&Bs, an airport, and a small marina. There is a fishing charter company, but they are closed up for the season. If not I would have gone fishing for the day. Looks like this is a summer playground for the rich – fly in and stay at your beach house for the weekend. Didn’t see any celebrities. Didn’t see much of anyone. The town seems to shut down in September, and stays that way until May. Beautiful spot though.

Put up for the night at the Inn of the Lost Coast. Very romantic spot. My room had a bathtub for 2 with a view of the ocean. Need to remember this place when I get myself a steady girl-buddy. Getting here is a bear – it would test the patience of any relationship. Of course, the answer is to just to take the private jet (ha ha). Anyway, for the second night I fell asleep to the sound of the waves on the shore. I could really get used to this.