I absolutely love seeing California going past the windows of the Echo. Our first taste of CA was the southeastern corner, not the most amazing view; dusty and flat. Much like the rest of the southwest! But once we made it to Thousand Oaks, things started getting greener. Today we started our trek up the west coast, which will end days later in Seattle, WA. Today was also the first time Dena or I saw the Pacific ocean in person! Now that we've passed the Grand Canyon, pretty much everything we see will be new for me as well as for Dena.

I've never seen anything so blue! Maybe elevation helps, since we had quite a few views of the ocean from a high vantage point on highway 1. But even when we were right above sea level, it was still blue or a sea green. We stopped at El Capitan state park for our first jaunt out on the sands, and took many pictures and also just looked and enjoyed. The Atlantic just seems.. grayer and duller. At least in the area that I always saw it. Or maybe just the time of year? I don't know.

The trip today was very short for a change, and I actually drove it all myself. We tried to take advantage of the time gained by swinging by a Toyota to get an oil change, but they had no room for us. Oh well, long as we do it soon!

We got to Morro Bay around 1pm or a little after, and once we found the hotel we drove down the the bay, and walked the shops there. Very nice, small town! The shops were really cool, and offered a lot of unique jewelry, much to Dena's dismay. I didn't really get anything for myself, but we did find some pirate items in one store, and got that so we could take some funny pictures with them. After taking said pictures, we stopped by a small bakery for some treats, and they were very good. On a Knakals level, for those who know what that means.

We took it easy for the evening, and ordered in for some pizza for a change, and got ready for the next portion of our trip, going through the Big Sur area of the coast on our way to San Francisco.

Keith woke me up. Cannot remember when though. Mornings on this roadtrip all blur together because of such early hours. Had breakfast with Megs mom and sister. After breakfast and some packing we hit the road to Cambria, or rather: Morro Bay.

The drive along the coast is simply splendid. The skies are blue and the ocean itself mimics the colors and intensity of the sky. The Atlantic Ocean has NOTHING on the Pacific. Seriously. Who would go to the East Coast beaches if they could go to the Pacific? Keith drove the whole drive being that it was a short one. I had no complaints though I don't like seeing him doing all the work too.

Making it Morro Bay we are both very pleasantly surprised. The town is tiny, but it has some awesome shops… my wallet cried. I bought some serious jewelry in Morro Bay and I could have bought more if I didn't hold myself back. Besides, the trip isn't over yet - I might find something else somewhere else. I could live here, or at least if I ever became independently rich, have a summer home here. The people are nice, the weather is fine, and the town itself is quaint. I want to come back. I think after this visit Keith and I have already envisioned us visiting once more at some point in our lives.

After some spending money on some awesome jewelry and pastries (Dad! You would have LOVED the pastry I got. Cream Cheese and Strawberry Croissant. Hmm, hmm!) Keith and I got to our hotel room and ordered some pizza calling it a lazy evening. After all, tomorrow is yet another day!

Ps. I give a shout out to The Seven Sisters Gallery for their awesome jewelry and knick knacks. If anyone is ever in the Morro Bay area - seek them out!