February 7-11, 2024
We encountered the wrath of the rains in Max (the RV) after the house closed on Feb 1, and we were officially homeless (well, kind of). From the beginning and since it's winter, we fully anticipated our journey would be loaded with weather uncertainties. We just didn't expect it to be the same week we'd leave what has recently been one of the driest states in the US. Luckily, we have family that kindly took us in for a few days to sort out a lot of last-minute details. A LOT. The storms were a blessing in disguise - we also had time for proper goodbyes.
We slowly swayed away from NoHo on Wed. Feb 7th, jumped on the 101 and munched on gas station sandies and Bugles. We landed in Cayucos - the quaint old California beach town (just north of Morrow Bay) that I'm convinced has a sixth degree of separation from everyone. Neither one of us had ever stayed there, but had heard good things so we thought why not?! It's amazingly chill and the peeps we encountered there were so friendly and inquisitive!
We cruised into the Bella Vista by the Sea RV Park in the late afternoon and stayed for one - then three more chilly, but lovely nights. This place sits on a slight hill off the main strip and overlooks the town (Ocean Street - from a slight distance) and pier. Several sites have ocean views - ours included. It's organized and their shower facilities are clean. One other thing to mention is that Max is a 24-ft motorhome with a 2016 Mercedes sprinter chasis and a 2017 Dynamax Isata 3 body. He has a kitchen, fridge, driver's side slide out and full shower/ bathroom. Before leaving, we customized a few things, including removing the old radio and opening up some hidden spaces for more storage.
After hooking up water and power, we headed out for a 10-minute walk to dinner (best, real sautéed mushrooms I've ever tasted - yum) at Sea Shanty (our helpful server Terri gave us the rundown on the place and coincidentally shared her own reasons for moving out of LA). Calamari was top notch and Joel loved the chili with cornbread. This is a MUST STOP SPOT! Definitely recommend.
Exhausted, we rested and started adapting to our new life on the road. The reality of this major change settles in - new experiences and horizons are ahead of us, along with the unpredictability and excitement of each new day. There is something special about traveling off season - although it requires more clothes layering and heater action, the benefits of fewer tourists and experiencing the true essence of towns is worth it.
Cayucos has a totally relaxed vibe - loved combing the sand at Cayucos State Beach in the mornings. I collect sea glass and other ocean gems - so surf cities have added appeal lol), pier sunrise & sunsets, antique shops and some truly delicious food. I know, the green pieces pictured below aren't keepers!
We loved walking around the quiet neighborhoods - everyone said hello or at least acknowledged our passing (rare in LA). Also very much appreciate all of the free public coastal access points dotted along the city's coastline. Get your cameras ready - most have lovely viewing benches where you can meditate or capture a few scenic shots.
We think of ourselves as "foodies," so there will be plenty of references to cuisine and cool eats within these blog entries.
A few notable places in Cayucos: The Hidden Kitchen - Nice staff - veggie breakfast tacos were excellent - Joel liked his blue corn waffles, too! We also experienced their very potent hot chai tea - think I added 2/3 almond milk to mellow the flavor. We sat outside in the back (you order from the front window) - it was nice, but noisy due to a birthday party on one end and a screaming child on another. Oh, and be prepared to wait in line on weekend mornings, even off-season.
We lunched at Lunada Garden Bistro - peaceful outside setting (aside from the giggly mimosa-laden bridal shower table nearby). I ordered the Thai shrimp salad (very fresh) and Joel loved his blackened chicken salad. We're slowly adapting to eating on the road - we do intend to cook most of our meals in Max.
Schooners restaurant/bar is a MUST STOP SPOT! visit. I'll repeat...you gotta eat dinner here (it was so tasty that we returned again during our stay). There's indoor/outdoor seating and an amazing pier view from the upstairs bar, along with nautical decor and a few big TVs.
Everything we tried was a winner - seriously. The service was superb and friendly and the full bar offers non-alcoholic beer. Thumbs up to the calamari, ahi egg rolls, crab cakes, clam chowder, steak, pan seared halibut, ahi sashimi and for dessert - the warm pizookie - OMG soooo good!
There are a few antique stores to get lost in...
And, a trip to Cayucos is not complete without a visit to the Brown Butter Cookie Company. Tried the samples, but these are outrageously expensive and neither of us bought into $22 for a box of six cookies. To each their own, though.
What is worth the money is the really tasty vanilla ice cream at the Cayucos Candy Counter!
More pics:
Off to Big Sur!
留言