Morro Strand Beach

The cool thing about being "locals" is knowing where to find uncrowded beaches!

The beaches in south SLO County are VERY busy during the summer because they come with shops, restaurants, etc.  But up closer to our home, the beaches are much more mellow. :)

Because of "microclimates," we never know what the weather will be like at the beach. It might be a cloudless, hot day in Templeton ... but overcast and chilly at the beach.  We were pleasantly surprised with a warm, clear day today! :)

A Quick Drive to Monterey

At long last, we were able to take a short road trip, because we placed Chloe in "doggie daycare."

We drove up the famed Pacific Coast Highway, but it was overcast and foggy for most of the drive.  On my side of the car, however, I was able to see the lush, green hills with wildflowers, huge trees, etc.  

The drive was a bit too curvy for my taste, and thankfully the kids slept through most of the drive, because Scarlett would have surely been nauseous (my poor kid).  But the drive was lovely and I'd be happy to do it again on a sunny, fog-free day.

We met up with Jonathan's friend and his wife for lunch along Cannery Row and then had to return home to pick up Chloe.  Not many pictures from this trip, but ... I was mesmerized by the vibrant blue color of the water in Montery Bay!   It is so much brighter than our coastal water somehow.

(Side note:  Chloe didn't do well with other dogs today.  It is sooo disappointing. If we cannot board her, we cannot go anywhere for longer than 5+ hours.)