Morro Bay by Richard

We have had our summer home in Morro Bay for 35 years and have made many trips there during this time. It all begins with preparation: checking the items and things we need, then packing for the trip. As we load the car, our two dogs know it's time to leave.

Leaving Santa Clara, we take local freeways until we turn south on Highway 101, which is also now a great freeway. A few years ago it was a mixture of two, three and four lane highways which required slowing down and went through the center of all the small cities on the way.

The road south, through the Santa Clara Valley, is busy with traffic in both directions and with each passing year it increases. The Santa Clara Valley has many interesting places to see and we have been to most of them. Ahead we encounter rolling hills as we near the Hollister turn off until we enter the Salinas area. Here we stop for lunch and a short break as we stretch our legs.

Back on the road again, it takes us through the vast Salinas Valley, which produces much of the country's fresh produce. As we continue south, we pass thousands of acres growing huge amounts of different vegetables.

There are two mountain ranges, one on the east side of this vast valley and one the other on the west side. As the road moves more to the right, it begins to rise and we can see more of the valley. After about 50 miles, we enter King City and head for Starbucks for a coffee and a short break. The dogs also get a chance to stretch too.

Continuing south, the road rises up into the rolling hills leaving the valley behind and looking ahead all we can see are enormous vineyards, stretching for as for as the eye can see. Moving on, we approach Camp Roberts, which has two garrisons, the right side was the training site for thousands of solders during World War Two but now is used by the National Guard. The left side is the Armor Garrison. The next major city is Paso Robles, which also has several small vineyards and produces fine wines that many come to see taste and buy.

From Paso Robles we turn right on State Highway 46, going west up over the coastal mountain range down to State Highway 1, turning left and following the road along the Pacific Ocean on our right, into beautiful Morro Bay. Reaching our home I unload the car and help put things away. I then take my afternoon rest.

The trip is 185 miles from door to door and it takes us about three and a half hours. Through the years we have enjoyed our place in Morro Bay, and we would not trade anything for time we have had together there. Time is passing by too fast, so France and I will keep the summer home for as long as possible.

[Editor's note: This story was written by Richard]




Morro Bay