Both Sides Now

Honestly, we experienced both sides and more today. We woke to a complete weather change. During the night, the wind decided to change direction -- turning to an off-shore, not breeze, but full on wind. At the "mom & pop" motel where we were sleeping, I woke numerous times to hear the flags and wind chimes blowing.

So as the day began, the temperatures were climbing, and as we ate breakfast at Schooners (see photo of the long pier), the back-blown spray from the waves revealed the off-shore wind. Saying goodbye to Cayucos (ki-you-cuss) was on today's agenda. We left Schooners and drove a moment north to look at the curve of the bay (through the trees) and whisper our farewell till next time. We'd really like to eventually retire and live here.

Then we made our exit. As we drove south we traveled into fog as we entered Morro Bay, just moments below Cayucos, and then back into the sun in San Luis Obispo. Highway 101 is a favorite road trip for us. We pulled off the road in Los Alamos to "wet our whistle" at the little "Twin Oaks Restaurant" that holds memories for us from way back in 1986 when we bicycled from San Francisco to home in southern California and stopped there to wet our whistle and all those years ago had a defining moment (that I won't bore you with now). Anyway, today the temperature had climbed significantly since our departure from the coast.

Then we continued on Hwy.101 till we reached Buellton, and stopped again for a little surprise (I won't bore you with the details). Man, it was HOT in Buellton.

Then back onto Hwy.101 (which curved back to the coast) for another stop just above Santa Barbara in the community of IslaVista, (which was veiled in thick fog). There we wanted to see the University of California at Santa Barbara. We drove through the student apartment community and honestly had serious evidence that more drinking than studying happens in this geography . . . good grief! Mr. Fun took my camera and captured a full blown party happening on the edge of cliff with a sheer dropoff to the ocean. I saw it when I downloaded the camera -- these students were all in full Halloween costume. What a sight.

Then we drove further south through the fog past Santa Barbara, Summerland, Carpenteria, and finally to Ventura, which is where we are staying for the night (partially because of a favorite restaurant). Honestly, we could plan a road-trip based on restaurants, not geography! That's pathetic!

We pulled off the freeway, checked into our motel, and went straight to our favorite restaurant. So we are now stuffed and recounting the events of this day as I "blip ," and knowing that we've looked at the coast from both sides now!

Good night from closer to home, but not yet home,
Rosie (& Mr. Fun), aka Carol

P.S. We are missing our three pooches and will head home tomorrow afternoon to rendezvous with them before driving the final 4 miles to home. I honestly have some serious "catching-up" to do when we get home--papers to grade and classes to prepare for. Oh well!

P.P.S. The Song

P.P.P.S.
JUDY COLLINS
"Both Sides Now"

Bows and flows of angel hair and ice cream castles in the air
And feather canyons everywhere, I've looked at clouds that way
But now they only block the sun they rain and snow on everyone
So many things I would have done, but clouds got in my way

I've looked at clouds from both sides now
From up and down and still somehow
It's cloud's illusions I recall
I really don't know clouds at all

Moons and Junes and ferris wheels the dizzy dancing way you feel
As every fairy tale comes real, I've looked at love that way
But now it's just another show, you leave 'em laughin when you go
And if you care don't let them know, don't give yourself away

I've looked at love from both sides now
From give and take and still somehow
It's love's illusions I recall
I really don't know love at all

Tears and fears and feeling proud, to say, "I love you" right out loud
Dreams and schemes and circus crowds, I've looked at life that way
But now old friends are acting strange they shake their heads, they say
I've changed
But something's lost but something's gained in living every day

I've looked at life from both sides now
From win and lose and still somehow
It's life's illusions I recall
I really don't know life at all