Jim, Karen, Ashley and I headed out, basically across the street, to Celia’s Garden Cafe for brunch. We sat out on the patio and enjoyed a delicious breakfast before heading next door to the garden center to stroll through their exhibits.

Daniel called and we rushed back to the house to see him off. Unfortunately, he was called back to work and had to head out right then.

Jim had some planning to do for the upcoming work week, so he stayed at the house while Karen, Ashley and I headed out for some exploring before heading to the movies. We toured through Avila with some highlights pointed out for us to check out when we motorcycle over (per Joni’s suggestion). On the way over we stopped at the Avila Valley Barn – we arrived just as they were closing up shop, however, and didn’t get to experience the roasted corn that they’re infamous for. We settled for other options from their quick-serve restaurant. A salad for Ashley, wrap for Karen, and some Cashew Curry Chicken Salad for me. Pretty darn tasty!

On to the movies, where we watched the first half of Allegiant, the last part of the Divergent series.

Ashley, Jim and I wake up early and head out at 5:15, aiming for Lopez Lake for a day of fishing. Timing seems to be about perfect as we arrive just a couple of minutes before the gates to the park open. Listen to turkeys gobble while getting the boat ready as the sky begins to lighten. We launch the boat and head out to see what the Bass are up to. Not much, apparently, as we don’t get a bite all day long. Ashley and I’s first attempt at Bass, so we learn a lot and have a great time. But what a beautiful day it is! The sky is blue, the hills are green, and it’s just a wonderful day.

We stop for a coffee break, firing up the JetBoil to heat water while tied up to a dock. Jim really enjoys the easy of using the stove and the satisfaction of having hot coffee freshly made while out and about.

Later in the day we tie to a tree and let some nightcrawlers play in the water as we eat lunch.

I discover a Bomber “A” lure in the tackle box – fun to find something from my Commonwealth/Pradco days out in real life.

We might not have caught anything, but the day was anything but a bust. What a fabulous way to pass time!

Daniel and his girlfriend, Sophie, were at the house when we returned. We chatted for a bit before they headed out for their supper plans. Ashley finished putting together a slide-show of highlights from our trip thus far. Matt joined us for supper and we shared our photo collection.

Daniel and Sophie returned and we showed our photos to them as well.

Jim and I hit the trails again on out mountain bikes, exploring different trails. We had a blast, with the trails feeling quite different than our prior ride. I continued on up the trail to the peak from our last visit, finishing out the trail that we started then. Fabulous views of Morro Bay, the sand spit, and the rock from up on the hills.

squiggly trail!

One of the local trails heads up to Bishop’s Peak, one of the 9 Sisters – a series of mountains that run out into the ocean. It’s near Cal-Poly, and we shared the trail with quite a few college and high-school students who are out on spring break. The weather was great and the views were expansive, especially up at the peak. The trail started on the north-east side and worked our way up to the south-west, affording a change of scenery as we worked our way around the mountain, from overlooking SLO to a view across the hilly ranch/farm land.

At the peak, Ashley waited while I scrambled up to the top of the rocks. We’re not sure how allergic to poison oak we might be and she didn’t want to find out the hard way, as it seemed to be everywhere.

Before leaving Ashley put together beans in the crockpot and prepped dough for bread. When we returned she baked the bread and made rice. Once everything was ready we all headed over to Matt’s apartment for supper. He shares a house with a couple of other guys. It has a fabulous view of the bay and some amazing landscaping – he really lucked out. Supper was delicious, as always!

We had our first companion while exploring a national park during this trip! Jim joined us for a day trip up to Pinnacles National Park. It was so much fun to share the experience with someone. Our hiking speed is faster than his but this gave us a great opportunity to take more breaks to enjoy the scenery – we’re so likely to rush to a big viewpoint and then pause for only a moment.

With only a day’s visit, we chose a loop trail that headed up through the heart of the pinnacles. What beautiful views! We were reminded of the Black Hills, particularly the Cathedral Spires.

On the descent we stopped at the Condor Canyon where we spotted a couple of California Condors.

Fabulous visit to a beautiful park. It’s not the most dramatic of the parks, nor the largest, but we were rewarded with amazing views and only a handful of other visitors. So glad that we got to share it with Jim!

Great day spent hanging out with Jim and Karen. Ashley and Karen talked horoscopes/birth signs. We decorated Easter eggs – haven’t done that in years.

We joined Jim on a nearby favorite ride. I oiled and adjusted the mountain bikes before we left and we put them to use on the trail. It was a beautiful ride and a lot of fun. Ashley’s first ride on a trail that wasn’t a glorified sidewalk. She grew more comfortable and confident as she went. I left them behind, playing on the trail ahead of them. What beautiful views from the stops and the peak!

An Easter feast was prepared and Matt joined us for supper.

Karen showed us around the area, exploring the SLO farmer’s market, driving by the Rock in Morro Bay, seeing otters in the bay, and generally exploring. Headed up to Cayucos and sampled some cookies from the Brown Butter Cookie Company – delicious! Jim and Karen used to live here, in a great little cottage, and we swung by to check out their old digs.

Otters swimming in Morro Bay

After a leisurely morning chatting with Jim and Karen, Karen eventually had to head off to work. Ashley and I headed out for a mini hike along the bluff trail in the nearby Montana de Oro park. Beautiful views along the coast of the rocky outcroppings in the ocean.

Matt came over and joined us for supper.

Woke early and headed up the 1. Stopped to take care of some chores online and to pass a bit of time. Completed, we continued on into San Luis Obispo and found parking. Walked downtown to check out the shops and pass the afternoon until Jim and Karen were home from work. Stopped at the Central Coast Brewing company for a drink and as a place to sit and rest for a bit.

Received word that everyone was going to be home, so we headed their way. Once parked and after receiving the house tour we all went back to SLO to peruse the farmer’s market. Picked up some delicious BBQ (tri-tip and pulled pork sandwiched)! Into the bookstore/coffee shop where we sat and talked until far too late.

Back at the house, we looked through photo albums before finally heading off to bed.