Cambria and Sea

Paso Robles Wine Festival

2010-09-17T20:05:00.000-07:00

This annual event tantalizes thousands of wine enthusiasts by boasting world class wines, culinary delights, seminars and much more. Having never been, an invitation from our good friends, Larry and Jeanne, moved us from the “some day” column to the “let’s check it out” side. Prior to starting our day though, we made a pact among ourselves…one, we taste at no more than three wineries and second, we don’t drive any dirt roads (some of us are anal about our cars and a dusty road is taboo).

Our first stop was the renowned Opolo Vineyards. A very popular winery that draws a lot of people with its club and functions. Wines were special enough though for us to join their wine club.

We also partook in their afternoon barbeque of whole roasted lamb, carne asada and carnitas tacos. As we sat atop hay bales and enjoyed our lunch, we were treated with the splendid views of the vineyard that surrounded our picnic grounds.

The next stop was Starr Ranch Vineyards. With the paved driveway having a huge impact in our decision to stop, this winery proved to be very tempting. At the gated entrance of the winery, we see this freshly asphalted road going up the hill and over…we're tasting here for sure. We happily motored through the gate, up the landscaped hill and began our descent toward the tasting room. Oops…the road suddenly ended and became a dreaded dirt monster. With no place to turn around, we bit the bullet and proceeded the short drive down the road to the parking area. But we are glad we did. Adjacent to the tasting room (a remodeled barn) is a wonderful shaded picnic area that would enhance any lunch…even a treat of bologna sandwiches.

Greeting us at the door was Judy Starr…who provided a brief summary of the history of her vineyard and the featured varieties available this day. Her daughter and friends eagerly hosted the tasting bar and made sure each visitor had snagged a plate of delicious pupus being served.

Our last stop was at Kukkula Vineyards. What drew us to this winery was the name…could it possibly have originated from the Pacific? Actually, Kukkula is the Finnish name for “the hill” and refers to the location of this family’s 75-acre property as well as the owner/winemaker Kevin Jussila’s Finnish heritage.

The featured tasting room was very cool and unique…the kithen/great room of Kevin and Paula’s personal residence. As we sat at the breakfast bar, we were treated to a spectacular view that overlooked their vineyard and adjacent valley below. The new tasting room and processing plant is currently under construction.

We had a wonderful afternoon in the sun, the best of company and a nice sample of some of the finest wines Paso Robles has to offer...it was time to head on back to the “Ponderosa” for some relaxation. We are sure that a future festival will again draw us back to explore another "unknown" creator of those tasty elixirs of the vine....only that time we will select only those at the end of dusty trails!!

The Elephant Seals of Piedras Blancas

2010-01-09T17:16:00.000-08:00

During all the years we have lived in Cambria we must have visited the Elephant Seals of Piedras Blancas no less than 50 times. And each time we walk out to the "point" and gaze upon the masses in the seal community below, we come away with even more awe and respect for those wonderful creatures.

It all began on November 25, 1990 when less than two dozen elephant seals were counted in the small cove just south of the Piedras Blancas lighthouse. Today the Piedras Blancas rookery is home to about 15,000 animals and the tenants are expanding... as their territory moves further south. We have seen a few of the huge bachelors relaxing in solitude as far south as Moonstone Beach in Cambria.

If you want to have your socks knocked off, visit the seals during the month of December. It is at that time that the older males, the beachmasters, arrive to stake out their territories. These huge animals, some 16 ft. long and weighing up to 5,000 lbs. are a sight to behold, especially when they raise their massive heads and girth up six feet to bark out their presence and challenge. We have seen 20-30 of these boys lined up in a straight line, huge heads pointing toward the water as they anxiously await the incoming females. They are much larger than a Volkswagen Bug and could easily crush it flat if they had to "slide" over one to get at another male. And don't let their massive size lull you to think they are just a gigantic "slug." They can move really fast...as you will see when the huge bulls engage in battles to determine who is in charge. The dominant "alpha" bulls do most of the breeding and are kept pretty busy protecting their harem from other "sneeky" males trying to get lucky and steal a tryst with an isolated female.

The first pup is born before Christmas. We have been fortunate to witness a live birth...quite something to behold. The birthing peaks in January and that's when all mayhem breaks loose...with noisy pups crying for milk and screeching gulls competing for newborn afterbirth. The babies are very cute as newborns...and quickly gain weight with their mother's rich milk...turning into beach "weaners."

You have heard the saying...the "Best Things In Life Are Free," well that is what it cost at the veiwing areas. Open every day and on select days information will be provided and your questions answered by the highly knowledeable and competent Friends of the Elephant Seal Interpretive Docents.

Tognazzini's Dockside Too

2009-10-30T12:00:00.000-07:00

A warm thank you to Ted & Mimi for turning us on to these "legendary" bbq'd oysters at this seaside eatery.

Let's create the scene...an outside patio dining area set above the water of the Morro Bay Embarcadero. Off to your right, huge brown pelicans relaxing atop pier pilings. Below you, the sound of a hungry sea lion slicing through the water as it cruises among the moored fishing boats seeking scraps from returning fishermen. The sound of live music offers a festive flair, as we all get to be serenaded by local singers and musicians.

Now set in front of you, a mound of half-shelled barbecued oysters, so big you'd think they are abalone. Each oyster is bathed and dripping with a generous blanket of garlic butter. These are not "finger" oysters that you pick up and slurp down... you need a fork and knife to handle these...Hard to imagine that each oyster is only $1.50 each. Now cap off this fabulous treat with a pitcher of Alaskan Ale.
Part of a two-restaurant operation, you have the Tognazzini's Dockside, a quiet, quaint sit inside place. Adjacent to it is the Dockside Too restaurant, which is also a fish market. You order at the counter, pick up your own food when ready, sit outside under the umbrella tables and bus your own table when you are done.

And for dog lovers, this is a cool place to go since it is also pet friendly...leashes are attached to each table and water bowls are strategically located throughout the patio.

We have now returned to the Dockside Too multiple times...introducing family and friends to one of Morro Bays most treasured diners. A wonderful place to enjoy the sun and sea air, share a few laughs and receive the nourishing magic of our central coast.

Heart Rock Beach

2009-08-14T14:29:00.000-07:00

"As the pulse of the heart trumpets man's existence, the rhythm of our ocean's tide echos the immortality of our hopes and dreams".

Hidden and secluded on our Central Coast is a stretch of beach offering to all that wander it's shores symbols of love, charity, joy and compassion.

"Heart Rock Beach"...as these locals have fondly named it, have displayed these uniquely shaped rocks for generations. Carved by gifted natural artisans, Sand, Wind and Water have shown their patience and timeless schedule to create and perfect their beautiful art pieces. All sizes, all shapes, all colors are created...and each day, after a high tide, are showcased among the carpets of sea pebbles. Also scattered among this sandy art gallery, you will fine irredescent Moonstones and multi-colored sea glass...

Black Hand Cellars

2009-07-24T14:00:00.000-07:00

We do not regularly spend an afternoon wine tasting...something hard to resist with all the wonderful winery choices nearby, but on this occassion, a high recommendation drew us to visit the tasting counter of Black Hand Cellars wine tasting room. Located on Main Street in the West Village of Cambria, the tasting room offers a friendly and casual environment to enjoy your tasting sampler, have some fun and people watch Main Street's "March of the Tourist". A relatively new shop in Cambria, we were invited by our neighbors Jim & Martha to stop in and taste the vineyard's wonderful 2002 Syrah...and as an added incentive, Jim is the tasting room host on each Friday afternoon. Quite an interesting story of how the Black Hand Cellars name came to be. The 2002 Syrah is quite yummy...and even the most novice of wine connoisseur will be able to experience the subtle Hungarian Oak and white pepper taste in this reserve. Look for Jim ( in his Aloha Shirts) to offer you a welcome smile, some animated conversation, wine facts and a "little here, a little there local knowledge of anything else. And check out the Hit List Wine Club...if you have ever belonged to a club, you will find that this membership is quite reasonable and won't leave your wallet empty and bare.

The Dog People

2009-06-22T21:00:00.000-07:00

No new trails have been explored or local eateries sampled....So what have we been up to?

Well, with over a decade of being dogless in our family...the right canine finally drew us to her. We have been seeking to rescue a dog from one of our local shelters for a couple of months now. Although we were attracted to many...age, size or temperament required us to step away and think about our decision and the commitment needed. How much training and exercise would our pet need? How much romper room could we offer? Could we make the financial commitment for health care, food and comforts (cushy beds, toys and treats)? Would our living environment be a safe haven...not only for our new pack member, but all children and adults who visit us? We questioned all the above and even more. That is until we saw Doegee (D-O-G), the pre-adoption name we gave her. After that first visit we were dedicated to getting her adopted and committed to ensuring our home was hers.

We first saw her one hour after her photo was posted on the San Luis Obispo Animal Services Division web site. The breed and size sparked our curiosity. The look of despair on her face kindled our empathy. The next day we saw and met her for the first time... and thanks to those amazing volunteers knew she would be a perfect fit for our lifestyle, personality and home. These volunteers are truly amazing, as they give countless hours of time to the facility and offer to become foster parents to many dogs until the right owners choose to adopt. Doegee had been abandoned, so we had to wait the standard five days to allow her previous owners to retrieve her. There was little chance of that though...she had no license, no micro chip, was not spayed and had no "dance" left in her stride...frightened and alarmed by quick movement, so submissive her stomach almost touched the ground when she approached you and then yelped with fear just from a tender petting. Behaviors most likely created by long term abuse from that "higher intelligent species".

Sydney Talia, the name we gave her, is a 2 1/2 year old Australian Cattle Dog. She possesses the trademark markings from her ancestors, the white blaze seen on her forehead, the black tail root-spot and the distinguishable tan points...all which can be attributed directly to her original fore bearers of the late 1800's.

We have devoted most of our time getting Sydney acclimated to our home, our town and our lifestyle. We also taken short roads trip up to Sonoma County to visit Camp Nicolai...We left mom and dad knowing that Sydney loved the cool tile floors, the never ending supply of treats, the single level viewing platform to keep track of her pack and most of all the ongoing petting and affection.

Multiple walks are scheduled each day, whether on the nearby Fiscalini Ranch Preserve, our dog friendly beaches, or the many coastline creeks. Sydney's presence on all these trails is a regular occurrence now.

Our dear friends, John & Diane recently lost their beloved golden retriever...Cassie. A beautiful puppy, Hannah, is now slowly filling the loss. Diane was asked recently by a friend, "do you guys ever take a break from dogs?" She was quick to reply..."there is nothing to take a break from, they are such a joy."

So we are now returning members to that devoted club (dog people) of millions...individuals who have pets as their soul mates, best friends or surrogate children. Only time will tell if we reach the level of "Pet Ambassador", but we are headed in that direction for Sydney is now a key member of our family. She is already providing us a peaceful comfort when she is just lounging or sleeping, has offered us many hours of camaraderie whether on the trail or on a road trip and from the beginning of her stay with us has demonstrated her unconditional love. She is an unending source of kisses, cuddles and surprises.

Dogs are so wonderful...they have an innate ability to truly live in the moment. Time is non-existent...our seconds, minutes or hours are meaningless in a dog's world. And how great is it to have a companion, friend and protector who is non-judgemental, irrespective of your status, whether you are a common man or celebrity, homeless or a land baron, penniless or wealthy...our Sydney will loves us for loving her. And she has unknowingly chosen an immense, but wonderful life path...creating a lifetime culmination of offering unconditional love, loyalty and joy.

Soda Springs Trail

2009-06-14T20:16:00.000-07:00

Our desire today was simple...seek out a nice, short day hike with a some grade and fantastic views. We had heard about this trail, located about 23 miles north of Cambria, but had only passed it on our many drives up the coast toward Big Sur.

Located in the Silver Peak Wilderness of the Los Padres National Forest, the Soda Springs Trail begins along Soda Springs Creek at a rock gorge filled with seasonal pools and a waterfall. You head up a well marked path through a lush riparian vegetation of ferns, alders and California bay laurel. The trail starts off as an easy climb up the shaded forested slope to the ridge directly over Hwy 1 and the Pacific

Multiple overlooks greet you with sweeping 180 degree ocean views that are spectacular. At the posted 1/2 mile junction with the Buckeye Trail, we chose the left fork which climbs 2,000 feet in 3 miles to Buckeye Camp. This is the point where easy converts to steep and moderate. On our hike, the trail conditions were passable, but was definitely due for some good trail TLC. For many, long pants are a necessity here. Although lined with many wild flowers, the trail is overgrown with poison oak and coyote brush and your footing can be compromised from the loose dirt and rock. Some parts of the trail were completely eroded and careful maneuvering was required for safe passage pass some significant drops...so backpackers be wary. This is probably a wonderful hike in the springtime with the running creeks and small waterfalls. We opted to call it an afternoon after a couple of miles and 1,100 feet of climbing....headed home for a cold beer and a nice grill.

Sebastians General Store & Cafe

2009-06-06T12:16:00.000-07:00

Just a perfect afternoon! Picnicking at San Simeon pier, watching a pod of Humpback whales breeching offshore and enjoying one of the best "homemade" sandwiches not made at home. Our lunch, a hot New York Style pastrami, was prepared for us by Sebastian's General Store and Cafe.
Other than the great food offerings, what makes this eating establishment so unique and a draw to the curious, is the building's locale, uniqueness and history. Sebastian's General Store started aboard the brigantine sailing ship Ayachuchio under the command of Scottish whaling captain John Wilson, sailing between Peru, the Sandwich Island and California. In 1852, during the Whaling years, Wilson purchased one of seven licenses issued by San Luis Obsipo County and built the store out on San Simeon Point, the original location of most of the many buildings that comprised the booming whaling village of San Simeon. The store was then dragged by horses to the current location about 1878 and has been bought and sold several times since then. Recently renovated and opened, Sebastian's is now decorated with an eclectic collection of antiques. They have artifacts displayed from that time and a growing museum of pictures spanning 100 years or more. Along with the grocery store, Sebastian's also feature their cozy Cafe serving Hearst Ranch grass-fed free range natural beef, local wines and beer, bottled water and soda (including the rare Nesbitt line of soft drinks that you we boomers remember). Indoor and outdoor patio seating is available to patrons to eat their lunch there and relax and enjoy the historical scenery....or you can take it down to the pier as we did on this brilliant day.

Being part of the original village of San Simeon, you can view a collection of some beautiful historic Spanish adobe architecture of the old Village of San Simeon, although access is restricted. You will see a Julia Morgan designed warehouse and homes built for Willam Randolph Hearst employees. And right next door to the store is the picturesque and historic Home School built in 1903 with Hearst Castle framed in the background.

A short walk down the road, is our perfect lunch spot at William Randolph State Beach. The 1,000 foot-long fishing pier and crescent shaped beach offers families picnic and barbeque areas. The sheltered cove perfect for relaxing, getting some rays, kayaking and swimming for those willing to brave the brisk water. Or walk the white sand beach to San Simeon Point and baste yourself with spectacular ocean views.

Past the village is also an access point to a wonderful walking trail that will take you north to Arroyo Laguna Beach access. Situated on the cliff above the ocean below and through an eucalyptus grove and Monterey pine forest, you will be rewarded with beautiful sweeping ocean views. Some of the trail is through a "cave" of trees skirting the sea wall above the rocky beach below until it reaches the dunes.

So if you are planning a trip to tour Hearst Castle, the elephant seals at Piedras Blancas or just a drive on scenic Coast Hwy 1, we highly recommend an afternoon lunch served up by Brian and Abby, and the rest of the wonderful folks at Sebastians.

Reservoir Canyon Trail

2009-05-30T22:16:00.000-07:00

Today we sampled a trail that we have yet to hike during our many years in Cambria, CA...but as you will observe from subsequent posts, that's our goal...reach out and explore somewhere unknown.

This particular trail was really nice...nice being: no need for a passing lane to accommodate heavy use and traffic, no visual signs of trail-side refuse and no encounters with out of control, overgrown poison oak. Located just north of San Luis Obispo off Highway 101, it should be no surprise to locals, that such a short drive from the freeway can offer you a peaceful hike in solitude with only the sounds of nature...trickling water and bird calls. But heck, this is the Central Coast, not Southern California.

The first part of the trail casually winds up the canyon alongside Reservoir Creek...a small perennial stream that still had a steady flow. You walk through a native forest of oak and sycamore trees that shade the small cascades, waterfalls and pools. The size of the creek bed shows signs that during the spring, this little stream has the potential to move some water.

On this sunny day, the stream was quite shallow, with the rocks nestled all through it looking like miniature islands full of brothels for hundreds of brilliant blue damselflies who happen to be in their mating mode.

Signs of wildlife are everywhere...remnants of hillside wildflowers still in bloom, coyote scat on the trail, lizard and snake crossings and as we noticed all the bird in the trees and quail scurrying on the ground, it is evident that this healthy forest oasis must also provide a nourishing aviary. The trail distance one way is 2.5 miles, but we hoofed up it just a little over 2 miles and a 900 foot elevation gain and then called it a day. Although we felt this would be a good future conditioning hike for us, we were passed by a couple of "college kids" that made us feel like we were crawling up the hill.

No this is not a tepee at Burning Man. About halfway up the trail you will reach a small plateau that features some "local art" using remnants of old sheet metal left from what seems like an abandoned construction site. Good rest stop with a tall eucalyptus tree providing some nice shade as you gaze upon the views of the canyon below.

The community should find great satisfaction and fortune to know that the city planners actually had the foresight to protect and earmark these watersheds and little hidden nature reserves that surround "SLO" as public open space. We know that more of these little gems are out there...lets see which one draws us next.

Fiscalini Ranch Preserve

2009-05-23T08:16:00.000-07:00

The "Ranch", the nickname we have grown accustomed to calling our wonderful parkland, provides us yet another reason to take a daily stroll through the pines. One of eight trailhead entrances to the West Fiscalini Ranch Preserve is right around the corner from our home. Encompassing hundreds of acres, the western part of the ranch offers 11 accessible trails for hikers, bicyclists, birders, flower children and alpha dogs to walk their "pack".

The Bluff Trail, part of the 1,100 mile California Coastal System, is situated right on the oceans bluff. You have no choice but to gaze on beautiful blue water seascapes. And catching glimpses of sea otters, harbor seals, pods of dolphins or a migrating gray whale is the norm. The Marine Terrace Trail, also with panoramic ocean views, is perfect for those well trained canines to be off leash...to run, explore and be puppies all over again.

To get a true sense of the expanse of this wonderful preserve, walk the Ridge Trail. The trail meanders atop the gentle slopping hills and features the best fast food eateries for our White Tailed Kites and Coopers Hawks. The grasslands are perfect breeding grounds for rabbits, voles and mice.

You can explore another habitat by accessing the Forest Loop Trail. The Monterey Pine forest is rich with birdlife and an eclectic collection of mammals living and hiding within the overgrowth of ground cover and logs.

With an abundance of wildlife that is regularly seen in our forests, it is almost impossible to walk the trails without a sighting. Deer, bobcats, coyotes, skunks, rabbits, squirrels, and if you are "lucky" and alert...a lone mountain lion may be chanced upon. Birders will also love the forest and foothills as they offer many opportunities to see our wild bird population...including raptors, herons, egrets and a multitude of sea birds. And during the season, bright wildflower dot the hills with spectacular colorspots...

All of the trails are easy and casual. You can ride or walk up some small hills if you require a more difficult workout. But whether it is your desire to hit the trail for a few miles of cardio work, spend a quiet morning in the stillness, meditate at one of the unique hand made benches or just gaze at a brilliant sunset, the ranch will draw you...draw you back to our Central Coast.