our friend, part 2

 

our friend...

 

...and our friend's friend.

Blue Sail Inn

A room with an amazing view of Morro Rock, by day and by night...

...and Morro Bay (including a chorus of sea lions).

Even the car had a nice view of the rock!

 

Thai Elephant

 

Also a nice refuge from the Morro Bay chill was this debut outing to Thai Elephant, where the Pad See-ew and Spicy Fried Rice were exceptional with a warm cup of tea.

Top Dog Coffee Bar

 

When we arrived in Morro Bay it was cold, windy and wet - what some would describe as a hostile environment. Taking shelter in Top Dog Coffee Bar was one of the best decisions we made that day. While the weather was bad, it served as a refuge.

on the way to Morro Bay...

 

...we stopped in Los Alamos and had a fabulous first lunch at Plenty on Bell - some sort of vegetarian croquettes. I also couldn't help being intrigued by "T & T" across the street - whatever that was.

Fox Canyon-Luci's trail loop part 2

 

These trails feature the shortest switchbacks I've ever seen!

Fox Canyon-Luci's Trail loop

Some great insanely steep trails behind Ojai. I wish I had discovered these sooner. With thanks to the Ojai Valley Land Conservancy (OVLC) for their good work.

 

tree

 

Purely Sedona?

 

I wouldn't think that Sedona, AZ had any water to spare, but there you have it.

Piedra Blanca trailhead

 

I hiked a big piece of this 18-mile trail from the other end, from Rose Valley to a little bit beyond the white rocks. Interesting to see this end, just beyond the Reyes Creek Campground.

Camp Scheideck, part 2

 

A world of manzanita trees, running streams (a rarity in these parts), and mini waterfalls.

Camp Scheideck

Camp Scheideck - one of California's more obscure outposts.

the road to Scheideck

There is no sign on Lockwood Valley Road telling you where to turn for Camp Sheideck. What you see instead is the sign above. Then - once you go down that road - you run into the sign below.

Pachisi

 

An important game out of ancient India that spawned many contemporary games, including Ludo, Cluedo, Clue, Sorry!, Trouble, and of course Parcheesi. As a board game enthusiast, I needed to know this. I just can't believe how long it took to become acquainted.

Santa Barbara Museum of Art

 

A few highlights from this small but comprehensive art museum. I hadn't been here in years and - since it was recently remodeled - I hardly recognized the place. The sheer variety of art and photography made for an interesting experience.