~Pismo Beach~

While staying at Pacific Dunes Ranch we spent a few days at Pismo Beach.   We parked the van at Grover Beach and then walked along this boardwalk.   You can walk the 2 1/2 km walk all the way to the Pismo Beach Pier.   We walked about 1/2 way on the boardwalk and then walked the rest of the way on the beach.

It was so beautiful!

We never get tired of being at the beach.   The birds, ever changing waves and beach, seaweed, shells etc.....are always new and exciting.

The beach was long and sandy and we enjoyed the nice walk.

We were surprised to see pelicans all over the pier.  They were obviously used to people as we were able to get up nice and close to them.

We walked through the cute, little town of Pismo Beach with its restaurants, souvenir shops, seafood bars, ice-cream shops etc.....

There were lots of sand dollars all over the beach.

In the afternoon we drove to Morro Bay.  It is a quaint, waterfront town near San Luis Obisbo.

The town is famous for "Morro Rock" - a 581 ft volcanic plug.

We loved the beach so much that we headed back to Grover Beach the next day.   We spent the day "hanging out".

We had never been to Pismo Beach before but we will be back for sure!!!

~Sand Dunes~

We just stayed at Pacific Dunes Ranch RV Park in Oceano, CA.   The park was right next to these incredible and HUGE sand dunes.   They literally went on for miles and miles. Behind the dunes is the Pacific Ocean.

We started in shoes......however that didn't last long as firstly it was way too tiring to walk up and down the dunes in them, and secondly the sand was soooooo soft we just had to go barefoot  :)

As always.....we just had to have some fun with our jumping pics!

What a beauty on the beach.

That is Brad lying on one of the dunes.    We could now see the ocean - but it was still miles away.

It is hard to tell from the photos, but the dunes were SO high.    That is Pismo Beach and surrounding towns in the distance.

This is the view when looking back at our rv park from the top of one of the dunes.

The dunes were so beautiful !!

~Pinnacles National Park~

The other day we decided to explore Pinnacles National Park.

The scenery throughout the park is lovely and of course......another sunny, hot day.

We decided to do the Bear Gulch Hike which takes you on a lovely trail and then into caves which were formed by large boulders.    The caves were pitch black in many spots and we had to take a few flashlights to navigate our way around.

Some spots were very narrow........it was a good thing we hadn't been to a buffet for Thanksgiving as we may not have fit through the gap!!!  :)

This is one of the large boulders wedged between other rocks.   The narrow staircase behind takes you to this man made reservoir.

Beautiful pinnacles can be seen all over the park.

We enjoyed exploring the caves so much......but Brad LOVED it the most!

The boys doing the Junior Ranger Pledge and getting their badges and patches.

On our way out there were lots of wild turkeys walking through the park.

Another exciting day :)

~Lazy Days~

We enjoyed some lovely, hot, sunny days at Morgan Hill Thousand Trails Park.  Although the huge pool was not heated we still managed to dip and stay cool!

One of the days we drove into San Jose and went to this huge flea market.  We had a great day walking around the 2000 stands!

Next on to San Benito Thousand Trails.  A gorgeous park nestled among oak trees.   The park has amazing wildlife and beautiful birds.   These acorn woodpeckers are all over the park.

This is what they do to the trees!!!!!!!!!!!!

We had a great site near to the lodge and pool.  You can see our trailer in the distance.

As always boys vs girls mini golf was on the agenda!

And later............ pickle ball in the evening.