After leaving Paso Robles wine country we took a scenic drive over the mountains to the west coast. We stayed in Pismo Beach at a park right beside the ocean allowing for a morning walk along the several kilometre long (and wide) beach. There were lots of other people doing the same stroll but it still seemed basically empty due to the huge expanse of the beach area. It would be much busier during the summer season. We spent some time exploring San Luis Obispo including the 1772 Mission and were fortunate to be there at noon when the 200+ year old church bells rang out with a harmonious tune.
We then wandered through the Santa Barbara area, finding a few more wineries to visit. Two places we enjoyed, Fess Parker and Firestone, were featured in the hit movie Sideways. The hosts provided bountiful pours so we didn't have to drink out of the dump bucket like one of the scenes from the movie. We stayed in Lompoq and while looking for a golf course that had been recommended we drove into a private club by mistake. While speaking with the Pro to get re-directed he invited us to play his course (Village Country Club) for only $35 which we did. The course was lovely and the members were all very kind and sociable with us. We found out later that they have a monthly special for snowbirds ($550 per couple for unlimited golf). It would be a great place to return to if it was just a little closer to Paso Robles, but perhaps the 2 hour separation would be good thing!
With a day or two of rain forecast for the Los Angeles area we headed back inland to Palm Springs where we have been staying for the past 4 days in Palm Desert. We are staying at a 5 star RV park (Emerald Desert) which has a beautiful pool and hot tub, and a very friendly atmosphere. At a park dinner one night in their Clubhouse the first 4 couples that we met were all from Alberta which was quite a coincidence. On Sunday we attended the 46th Annual Golf Cart Parade (down El Paseo in Palm Desert) which was quite entertaining with the Hallow'een theme this year. Yesterday we golfed at Indian Canyons, an old style track, lined with mid-century modern homes. After the round we joined the Vancouver couple we played with for a drink in the 50's era Clubhouse with it's long bar that had been a frequent watering hole for Frank Sinatra, Bing Crosby, Bob Hope and their golfing buddies. The Men's Locker Room still has a separate card room with it's own bar.
Today we are going to leave the RV park and drive south to explore the slowly disappearing Salton Sea which is below sea level so we expect the 25-30C temperatures we have been enjoying in Palm Springs will continue for a few more days.
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