Road Trip 2009 - Day 03 - Photos & Trip Journal

We arose early to drive across the desert. The temperatures were expected to be in the 100 range. Throughout the entire trip, the Lord blessed us with wonderful weather. Traveling across the desert was quite beautiful in its own way.

Arriving in the town of Bakersfield, California, we discovered the 4,500 windmill farm that covered the hillside desert. Very interesting sight in its own right, too.

Traveling onward to the coast, we stopped alongside the highway for the freshest plums and yummy cherries California had to offer.

Continuing west we enjoyed the cherry spitting on the motorcycle for entertainment. Quite fun! As we ventured West, I could feel the excitement in my heart ready to escape as we started to see glimpses of the change in landscape, feel the temperatures decline and notice the scenery change to the ocean view ahead.

There is something magical about the ocean, the beauty, the sounds of the waves rushing in towards the shore, the vast wide open space with God’s greatness is awesome.

California coastline is very unique. On one side of the highway are mountains/hills and the other side of the highway is the ocean. Morro Bay Beach was absolutely gorgeous. We pulled into the parking lot, eager to sit back and relax on the beach. We unpacked the chairs, coffee and camera, Joey parked himself in the chair while I ventured off into the ocean.

Perhaps, growing up in the Midwest, Missouri so far from the ocean, I tend to truly appreciate every opportunity to feel the ocean and sense what God has created for us to enjoy.

I rolled up my jeans, ran down to the seashore and enjoyed splashing my feet in the water. There is something serene, calming and memorable about the oceans waves striking your legs as you walk along the beach.

Traveling the countryside by motorcycle, you are able to see the beauty God created for us to enjoy… walking on the beach, slows you down for the opportunity to see the miniscule beauty God created for us to enjoy.

Walking along the beach, I found 7 whole sand dollars! Amazing! The child in me loves to discover and find things that He created for us to uncover! Running back to my hubby, I shared the excitement of finding 7 whole sand dollars. We celebrated with a cup of coffee on the beach!

(Joey- Strange thing about this, Lisa hates bugs or anything that moves on it's own... Yet, she celebrates about finding seven sea urchins that she now so proudly shows lying in the palm of her hands.)

Joey arranged for us to camp on the beach… very thoughtful!

We arrived at the state park up from Morro Bay to discover that camping on the beach is quite popular… let me say VERY POPULAR! The campground was located across the highway from the ocean. The campground was packed! Question… how many tents can fit inside half a football field? Try 30 tents, several families, and loud, playful running kids!

Well we set up our tent in the “refugee campsite”, traveled to town for a great meal at the local grill and headed back to the campsite. Once we arrived back at the beach, we gathered our chairs, coffee pot and camera to watch the sunset on the ocean.

The beautiful sunset was breathtaking!

One of the highlights of the trip and by far the funniest thing for me to see… my sweet, loving husband who always makes each day a memorable one decided to “climb a rock” in the ocean. He tried to get me to come along with him but I realize the ability of my “gracefulness” and know that I’d fall in and probably break a leg or something… Needless to say, Joey began to count the waves 1, 2, 3, …12 and would hop from one “rock to the next” until he made it to the big rock! Once he made it there, I couldn’t help but capture the moment on film… how would he get back to shore without getting absolutely soaked?

After “rock climbing” in the ocean, we sat in our chairs, watched the sunset and thanked God for the blessings in our lives. It is so nice to be married to your best friend who loves the Lord as much as you do!

(Joey)

There is not much to say about today that Lisa has not already said... The ride through the desert was not as hot as it should of been and the sites were beautiful as always. We did on the other hand, miss out on finding some fresh strawberries.

One of the great things about riding though California is the fruits and vegetables. Not just to eat but to see and smell as they grow in the fields.

A few years ago we pulled off the road an bought some of the best tasting strawberries we had ever had. We bought them from a young lady working a stand right out front of this large field full of strawberries... This year we were hopping for the same, but had no luck. We did pass by a few places harvesting their strawberries but found none for sale. We did though find fresh cherries, plumbs and peaches!

Day three's travels took us from Kingman, Arizona to San Simeon State Park in California. 519 miles in 15 hours averaging out about 35 miles per hour.

Now that is not saying that we spent the entire day moving very slowly... This average speed also includes gas stops, breakfast, lunch, scenic stops or otherwise just goofing off as we often do.

(More Photos From Day Three)


Day 2 - Photos & Trip Journal		Day 4 - Photos & Trip Journal