January 22, Morro Bay

 January 22 Morro Bay area

After a nice breakfast of blueberry pancakes and oranges, we make the 15-20 minute drive to Morro Rock. The core of an old volcano, known as a “morro”, it was once even more impressive until it was quarried for years. It is preserved now as part of Morro State Park.  The rock is part of the Pacific plate and is moving about 2” to the northwest each year.  It is between 23 and 27 million years old!

We eventually found a parking area  - one of those where you can see where you want to be but have to figure out how to get there -and spent a while watching surfers and paddleboarders and walking around the rock which juts into Morro Bay. Quite a few surfers changing into or out of wet suits in the parking lot and riding the waves.  Someone told us the water temperature was a few degrees higher than the air temp this morning, but still a chilly 55.  Air temp 51.

Several sea otters were floating in the bay on the calmer side of the rock.  Theirs is a happy success story in that their numbers have been increasing after being hunted to near extinction.  On land, squirrels are enjoying the warm sun.

 Fishing for surf perch.

 I walked and spoke with a man who rose from a bench as I passed. He was a Californian who has lived near here ever since he got out of the Navy when he was 21 – 60+ years ago. He was a school teacher and administrator till a year or so ago and told me, smiling, that he is now a  god - G.O.D. – Grumpy Old Dude. 

From here we drove around a bit and finally found a visitor’s center that provided some much appreciated maps and suggestions for a few walks.  First stop was a small peninsula with a marina on one side and a marshy estuary area on the other.  Loons, willets, and several other kinds of water fowl.  

Next we drive to Montana de Oro, another park a little further south, where we stopped at several beautiful spots, a mix of rocky and sandy shore.  I particularly liked Spooner’s Cove.  We surely can see why people want to live here! What a great spot to sit and have lunch.

 About 4:00 we headed back to Wag-A-More .   We stopped by Lori’s house where she had a water hose to refill our fresh water tank, but never did see Lori – just some curious chickens! 

 

We were part way up this mountain on the right side.  The gnarly trees were behind our camp ground. Evening temperatures have been cool in the 40’s,  but that makes for great sleeping.

January 21 Missions and Butterflies

 Monday, January 21

We have decided to begin moving up the coast today, and stop to take a few coastal shots.


























 First stop, Santa Barbara Mission in Santa Barbara.  

There were 21 Missions founded by the Spanish Franciscan friars along the coast.  This is one of only a few still active as a church.   We began with a nice video that explained some history.  The area was claimed for Spain way back in 1542, but the Chumachu Indians had been here long before that, having migrated here from Asia.  

Initially, there was a blending of cultures but with the Mexican revolution in 1821, more demands were made on the Indians for labor and goods and they revolted.  Thereafter, there was more of an effort to absorb the Indians and reduce their native culture.

The present mission building is from the 1840’s because the original was destroyed in an earthquake in 1812.  The style is Roman, similar to the churches found in the Mexican countryside.  There is stone, heavy beams and adobe throughout and the floors are stone which has been polished by many feet.  As I stand in the courtyard, I can’t help but wonder about those who have stood here before me….Indians, friars, soldiers, and thousands of tourists.  The church itself is unusually colorful, with a beautiful sanctuary, though poorly lit.  Lots of flowers and cacti in the courtyard and gardens.

From here we went to a small town called Buellton, thinking we could use their library and wi-fi. But it was closed, possibly for Martin Luther King Day?  We still found enough wi-fi to arrange for a stay at Wag-A-More,  which we found on line at a site called hipcamp.   This is property near Morro Bay.  Totally undeveloped, the owner, Lori, offers campsites on her property, part way up a mountain.   She responded quickly, so we will head there tonight.  First, to Pismo Beach.
We pass many vineyards on the way.

Pismo Beach Butterfly Grove is the largest collection of wintering Monarch Butterflies in the west. (East of the Rockies, the Monarchs head to Mexico for Winter.)    The butterflies here come for the winter and live about 6-8 months – long enough to mate and lay their eggs in the Spring/Summer.  They stay here because it is a protected area of eucalyptus trees where they form shingle-like layers of groups for warmth and protection from cold and wind

 

We arrived just in time for a docent talk by Jean, who explained the life cycle of monarchs. We have seen this in our back yard in Texas, so were familiar with the eggs-to-caterpillar, chrysallis–to-butterfly cycle. 

They are beautiful!

  Unfortunately, the number of monarchs has dropped dramatically over the past several years.  Reduction in habitat and reduction in the amount of flowers – particularly milkweed on which the eggs are laid and the caterpillars feast – is a large part of the reason.   This year there are about 2600 butterflies here versus 26,000 last year and even more before then! Adult butterflies live on nectar and water, and are great pollinators. Their decline (along with honey bees) is cause for concern.  There are several groups who are working to plant more milkweed and nectar bearing flowers and the hope is that their numbers will rebound. (They sell milkweed in the nurseries at home.)

This is a very nice park with a variety of folks enjoying the beautiful day. The temp is around 60, which makes the butterflies somewhat active. 

  After photos, we walked some nearby trails to the coast and had a late lunch  in the Trek. 

We haven’t had a lot of luck with wi-fi and signal is on and off, so we decide to find Wag-A-More, our home for the night, while there is still daylight.  Between our phone GPS and Lori’s directions, we find it without a problem – over a one lane bridge, up and down some pretty steep hills, left at a fork, right at the closed gate to Rock Bottom Ranch, and onto a dirt road.  After passing Lori’s small yellow house, the road is very steep and rutted, but Greg manages to get us to the first camping site.  There are others farther up the mountain, but after looking at the road going up there, we opt for the first site, which has been nicely leveled. A lidded trash can is the only “amenity” haha.  

With the time zone changes, sunset comes early, so that by  5:30 or 6:00 it is dark.  We rustle up some dinner and walk a bit, then review and edit photos and read.  

Since we made the change to the hot water setting (modified by the first owner to electric from propane), the battery has been lasting much longer and things running more smoothly – yeah! (Too bad it took so long to discover and fix this – thanks to a service guy up in Montana!)

January 20, Reagan Library Simi Valley

Sunday, January 20

Greg took a sunrise picture and we have our fruit and cereal before heading out. 

We will stay on major highways all the way to the Reagan Library, and traffic really isn’t too bad! We are going round the northern part of LA.  Of course this is early on a Sunday morning, and I'm not the one driving.  When I comment that it isn't bad, Greg rolls his eyes, so......We agree that we wouldn't want to do it on a weekday!   

We go through dozens of communities and see all the national chain stores at the exits.  Gas is high, but we filled up near the casino as we left. Some familiar names like Ventura Highway, Pasadena, etc.  I feel like we should be listening to the Beach Boys! I had heard of the "Hollywood Hills" of course, but didn't realize this whole area is very hilly - I understand the mudslide issue more now.

We arrive at the Library at 9:50 and there is a short line for tickets which go on sale at 10:00. Beautiful grounds with lots of flowers, some, like bouganviella are just beginning to show color. Lovely views...

 There are 13 Presidential libraries and Reagan’s is the largest, opening in 1991. He was active in planning and putting it together.  The winding road in is lined with banners for each of the presidents.

Reagan was born February 6, 1911, in Tampico, Illinois.  He began his career in radio, sportscasting and other shows.  A friend got him an audition when he was visiting California and when he was asked to sign a contract, he became a Californian.  

We begin with a hologram of Reagan giving a speech.  I suppose it was amazing technology when the library opened, but seems a little hokey now...

He made training films during WWII and starred in quite a few films after that.  He 

 Was known as “the great communicator” for his agility with words and excellent presentation.

   He soon was asked to be President of the Screen Actors Guild, during a difficult time with blacklisting and political pressures.  He had a brief first marriage and met Nancy Davis when she came for advise because another actress with her name had been blacklisted… He seemed adept at handling difficult situations and was liked by most everyone.   This set the stage for his run for California governor.

As Governor  from 1967-1975, he reformed welfare, cut taxes and shrunk the size of the government and was proud of protecting the environment and supporting .education.    In 1976 he narrowly missed the Republican presidential nomination to Gerald Ford, but in 1980 it was his, and he won the presidency quite handily.  (Note his slogan!)

In his first 70 days he froze Federal Hiring in the Executive Branch, ended many price and wage controls and introduced an economic plan to cut the Federal Budget, give tax cuts and increase defense spending.

On March 30, 1981 he survived an assassination attempt by John Hinckley with one bullet that ricocheted off the car and landed very near his heart.  

There is a whole area devoted to his relationships with other world leaders, particularly a close friendship with Margaret Thatcher and Russia’s Gorbachev, including a part of the Berlin wall next to his “Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall” speech.

Another display traces the history of the Secret Service, established by Abraham Lincoln to deal with Confederate Currency, adding Presidental Protection in 1901 by Teddy Roosevelt.  We didn’t know there were attempts on the live of Theodore Roosevelt, Franklin Roosevelt, and Harry Truman, before the successful assassinations of John and Robert Kennedy.. Presidential protection has expanded to presidential candidates and well as family members.

This is a replica of the oval office, with a duplicate of the Hays desk, used by Kennedy, Reagan and some other presidents and now in use by Mr. Trump. It was a gift from Great Britain, made from the wood from a ship called the HMS Resolute that was discovered and returned to the queen of England as a gift from the US.

As President, Reagan kept a daily diary for over 8 years, which provides an incredible amount of history and insight.   He and Nancy were extremely devoted to one another and after they announced his Alzheimer’s diagnosis, she spent the next ten years caring for him.  The saddest part, she says, was not having anyone to share all the wonderful memories they made together.

Also at the library was Air Force One, which we were able to walk through.  The President’s desk there featured a jar of jelly beans and the galley had a chocolate cake – President Reagan’s favorite, always on board for anyone’s celebration.

He and Nancy are buried at a spot he chose. I like the fact that he was positive, respectful and kind.

Another area of the library features changing exhibits.  There we saw the current exhibit – Pompei.  This was an excellent exhibit featuring items and history of Pompei which was covered by the ash from Mt. Vesuvius in 79 AD and only re-discovered in the 1740’s. Jewelry, statues, pottery and other artifacts were on display. It too began with a film showing a recreation of the event.

 It ended with the amazing display of full bodies as they were found at the site displayed next to photos of the area where they were found.  Kind of creepy but utterly amazing to see these lives as they were snuffed out!  Only a small portion of Pompei has been excavated thus far.

By the time we left, parking was at a premium.  We went up the coast a bit and found a county park – Foster Park Red Mountain Campground – run by Ventura county. Nice and quiet if a bit run down...the recent fires reached the edges of this park, with some of the huge oak trees showing scorching.  We took a walk and had a quiet night.

 This was supposed to be a launching point for the Channel Islands boat trip tomorrow, but when I talked to them they said Monday and Tuesday would be cancelled due to rough seas…. Time for plan B!