Last weekend I drove up to San Luis Obispo to see my son, Jon. Pismo Beach is right near San Luis Obispo, and has a great campground called the North Beach Campground where I stayed. My campsite wouldn't be ready until 2pm, so with several hours left to explore, I headed down to the beach.
In Pismo you can take your car right down onto the sand and drive for miles. It was such an incredible experience. So freeing in many ways. My Subaru had no trouble in the wet sand, and we drove along like professionals until reaching a suitable place to park.
I was very tired as my day had started rather early, 2am to be exact. It is best for me to be driving when the air is cool and traffic is at a minimum, thus I often begin my trips at crazy early morning hours. By the time I rolled onto the beach, the wind was freezing cold, but in my excitement to be on the beach, it didn't even get to me. I immediately started collecting shells and rocks, but after my pockets were full, my hands were so cold, and my body so worn down, that I simply crawled into the back of the Subaru, covered myself in down quilts, opened the back gate and watched life go by.
As the day wore on, the beach got more crowded with people, horses, dogs, birds, huge trucks piled high with ATVs, and even a Shetland pony, all wandering or driving down the beach. At last it was time to head to my campsite.
There is a place in Pismo where you can camp on the beach for $10.00, if you drive three or four miles down the beach. I actually considered it, but when I found out there were nearly 1000 people camping there, I declined. Sounds like another Woodstock to me, only instead of music, there would be tons of ATVs, dune buggys, monster trucks and the like. I was happy to have made a last minute reservation at the North Beach Campground, as when I arrived, it was completely full.
After my campsite was organized, I drove into the little town of Pismo and walked up and down the streets, taking pictures, investigating interesting buildings, eating yummy clam chowder, drinking coffee, watching people, and munching down on walnut topped cinnamon rolls. The young lady in the picture above was making strawberry Nutella crepes, topped with whipped cream. The guys in the photo below, work at Old West Cinnamon Rolls, and make the best, I mean the very best cinnamon rolls. You can get them frosted or not, topped with walnuts or pecans, or raisins.
Pismo State Beach Campground is situated within a beautiful grove of Eucalyptus trees. It is only a short walk from the campground down to the beach. In the winter, from October to February, thousands of monarch butterflies migrate to Pismo and take shelter in the trees. These monarchs are different in that they have a 6-month life span. To avoid freezing, they fly south to the warmer climates in the central coast. As many as 10.000 butterflies have been counted at Pismo in one season, and it is said they look like gold and orange leaves, hanging from the trees.
It was beautiful walking along the beach which was covered in small shells, rocks and sand dollars. Scavenging seagulls lined the shore, ready and waiting to swoop down on any free handouts. I felt like one of the seagulls, swooping down upon the treasures of the sea, and stuffing my pockets full.
The town is old fashioned in many ways, with the old buildings, neon signs, and funky atmosphere. But Pismo also has a very upbeat side to it, with art museums, beautiful store fronts, and windows like these below.
That would be me, with my oldest son Jon. We had a great visit, as always, but the time always goes by too quickly.
On my way home, I stopped back in Pismo and walked out on the pier. The ocean is so healing, so restorative for me. The sight and sound of the waves is so soothing. The fresh air so invigorating.
The waves kept rolling in, a constant motion that never ceases. Knowing that God is with me, and that His love is like that constant motion, always pouring over me, eases my sorrow about being separated from my son.
One last stop at Avilla Beach before heading home. Such a picturesque seaside. Billions of people, but definitely picturesque. I am glad to be home at last, thankful for my family, my friends, my grandkids. May God bless you and ease any sorrow you carry inside.