Next stop: Pismo Beach via Casa Johnson

After the Chula Vista Rally, we spent a couple of nights at the Johnson's. The Figges and the Eggs joined us for dinner one evening. We sat outside on the patio, relaxing and enjoying our time together. 
The two of us often remark how California is so conducive to year-round outdoor living. We enjoyed the same while growing up in South Africa. Of all the places to live in the US, California definitely comes closest to weather and a lifestyle we remember. Now that we have our home on wheels, we plan to spend more time here.

Willy, Bill and Patti

Vic and Michael

Patti, Debi and Sandy

We ended up staying one more day after Sandy noticed that one of the tires on the Jeep was flat. It must have happened just as we pulled off the highway into the neighborhood. As Michael turned the Alpine engine off, he heard a beep from the tire monitor but assumed it was the low battery signal. In fact it was more than likely the tire monitor alerting us to low tire pressure in the Jeep tire. There was quite a large bolt that punctured the wall and couldn't be repaired. 

An extra day at Casa Johnson simply gave Debi and me one more day to spend time at her favorite local quilt shop. We spent a pleasant afternoon sewing and chatting with the other ladies there. 

Afterward we had dinner at the Johnson's favorite Tai restaurant, Bamboo Cafe, then popped into Sprouts for a couple of bulk items that needed to be replenished. I discovered that they also carried bulk licorice. The real stuff, just like I had while growing up. And yes, there is only one type of licorice, the black kind. The red so-called licorice is simply a fake. I stocked up! It's not easy to find real licorice.

The next morning we were off down the road, heading to our favorite beach, happily anticipating spending at least a couple of weeks in Pismo. Our route took us from Simi Valley along coastal Route 101 through Santa Barbara.

The section of highway hugging the coast is always pretty. This time the hills were aglow with flowering grasses.

Eventually we headed inland and at Orcutt we joined Route 1, also known as El Camino Real with its signature bells marking the historic highway, the original path traveled by the Spanish padres between missions they established in the area.

Vic, Willy and Michael

This time we decided to stay at the Elks in Oceano, immediately south of Pismo Coast Village. 
The Eggs were here too. The day we arrived, we all had dinner at an Italian restaurant in downtown Pismo, followed by a stroll along the beach. It felt good to be back, sand under our feet, waves tumbling to shore. 

The sandpipers were busily scurrying about, entertaining us along our walk. 

We hung about to watch the sunset.