I am sitting at home reflecting and journaling a few things. We recently planned to go to Sycamore Canyon Campground and then to Refugio Campground. Because of the recent late season storms, we only experienced the first and decided as a family not to set up at Refugio to a muddy and soggy mess. We came home two days early and will remain on vacation, even if only in spirit.
The couple of days we enjoyed were jam packed and fun. Here is some of the story.
Day 1 - packed early and headed south to Sycamore Campground. After getting set up, the kids wanted to go to our family surfing beach, aka Zeros or Nicholas Canyon State Beach. For some reason, each time we visit, a southwest wave pulse arrives and get to enjoy this place. Warm sun, surfing, and just some fun before heading back to the camp for dinner preparation. We ended the night, by fire, with open cooked burgers. We hit the hay just as an intense rain storm arrived and made havoc through the campground. Woke to a soggy and very wet campground and ready for day 2.
(Nicholas Canyon aka Zero's - pumping SW Swell)
(Under the Sycamores)
Day 2 - Enjoyed breakfast together, packed the bikes, and headed south to Santa Monica to spend the afternoon on the bike path and see where Mom arrived on the west coast ala Venice Beach, CA. Had a blast tooling around, remembering places my dad took us when I was a kid, and then hit the pier at the constant request from my children to try a ride, and then the treat of the day - lunch at Lulas. Jenn took us to a place she worked while early in college. Truly the best mexican cuisine I have ever had. Jenn said hello to several workers who remembered her from 18 years ago! We returned to the campground and the girls watched a movie together while resting. Sean and I took on adventuring up the canyon after some of the trails finally dried out. At the end of the day, we prepared a camp roast to simmer, and then I took a road ride for an hour and climbed Yerba Buena - dang steep and tough descent. Fun active end of the day and returned back to get the camp ready for dinner. Awesome day indeed.
(Santa Monica Pier)
(Lulas - Santa Monica)
(Seany boy scrambling the mountains)
Day 3 - Woke early and got breakfast going to prepare the kiddos for a ride up the canyon. The mud was mild and doable but still presented some challenges. Nonetheless very fun and the kids rode very well. Amber was throttling it on the way in and I think I have her talked into a mountain bike race! We packed up and hit the road to head to Refugio Beach. We arrived to standing water 2-3" deep in pouring rain. After tearful disappointment from the kiddos, we pulled the plug with the looming forecast of no improvement and headed home.
(heading up the canyon)
(My little proteges)
Some special observations:
- Sycamore Canyon has no electronic availability, cell coverage, or wifi. You are forced to go old school.
- Many things to do. Mountain biking, surfing, hiking, and scenery.
- Parrots everywhere! They must have been imported many years ago.
- Let your kids see the City so they can see other lives, and so many different lives in general. San Luis Obispo, for better or for worse, limits experience and life perspective.
- Camping makes families engage and this experience was no exception, even if only a few days.
- You can see why the Chumash called this their home!
Great time indeed and grateful for Gods blessing in this family time.
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