Here in Morro Bay

We moved from San Mateo Campground to Morro Strand State Beach last week.  Morro Rock is a volcanic plug that sits in the bay, a landmark for miles around (named by the explorer Cabrillo in the 1600’s.)  The campground kiosk has a great view, as there is the campground, a sand berm, then the ocean!  We hear its roar, especially at night (it’s like the ambient noise of a freeway, still getting used to it!)

All winter I practiced bicycle riding for the Wildflower Century ride, which was 2 days after we arrived at Morro Strand.  Of course, I was practicing at sea level, and the ride was in the mountains east of San Luis Obispo, so I had a tough time with this ride’s elevation.  Also, I never expected freezing temperatures in the morning and arrived not only wearing bicycling shorts, but also no socks (just sandals) and short gloves!  I was so cold I was wondering how long it would take for my fingers and toes to become frostbitten, but I soldiered on.  After the sun came up in earnest and after the first monster hill, I warmed right up though.  The hills were very steep and came often, and the downhills were all too short and full of potholes.  The 20 mile straightaway had a 20-30 mph headwind so after lunch I dragged into the finish, taking 8 hours to ride 71 miles.  Not a very good record, but hey, I did it!  Here’s a picture of the several thousand cyclists eating lunch:

We have spent the week training for our job, getting familiar with the area and seeing a few sights.  Ron and I visited the Morro Bay State Park Visitor Center, which is an awesome discovery center that teaches about the natural history and resources of the area.  Hearst Castle is the State Park headquarters for this area, so after we completed our new camp host paperwork in the office we were treated to the movie and tour.  Beautiful gardens, fancy architecture and lavish furnishings are featured in this castle.  Here’s some pictures:

On the way home we viewed the elephant seals lounging on the beach.

And we walked the pier by the little town of Cayucos and Ron bought a cookie in the cookie store which featured this picket fence:

The next day we visited Montana de Oro State Park.  The flowers were in full bloom, the day was hot and the view was magnificent!  The blue flowers are huge 3-4 foot lupines and the yellow flower is so bright it hurts – I think its a variety of iceplant. The park features many hiking, horse and mountain bike trails as well as 7 miles of beach.  It is to the south of the Morro Rock, so here’s the view looking north towards the Morro Strand campground.

I joined the local bike club and took a ride the other day and Ron is back at the beach metal detecting, and we’re both having a ball!  This morning I joined the several hundred walkers/runners who were going by our campground on the beach to raise money for a charity, and got my workout for the morning!

This place is full of so many things to see and do, and we are working with an amazing group of people.  We are really looking forward to our adventure working here!