To San Luis Obispo I Go!

This is the furthest south I’ve ever been! I was in Nashville once a couple years ago, but this is just a little further south than Nashville. I left beautiful Santa Cruz late this morning after snapping a few photos around town with Joy before taking off. So I headed back to Highway 1. I have now driven along the entire Pacific Coast along Highway 1 between here and Long Beach, WA. I’ve seen a lot of ocean, a lot of cliffs, and used the steering wheel more in a few days of driving than I have in my lifetime. But today I even took a little nap in the car pulled over along the ocean cliffs.

I arrived in San Luis Obispo with great expectations and anticipation. I’m happy to say that once again I met up with Nancy (Kristy’s mom, from when I was in Boise). This time I got to meet Duke who just turned 17, who I’ve heard lots about and also their father Jim. Nancy brought Duke and I to a fabulous steak dinner at the one, and the only world famous Madonna Inn. What a place, pink, pink, and more pink. It couldn’t be any tackier. And the men’s restroom at the Madonna Inn is just as famous, with it’s waterfall urinal that is a few feet wide. Guys just pee right into this nicely flowing waterfall. Well… it’s a crazy place and crazy things happen. So while in the men’s bathroom at the Madonna Inn I’m asked by another guy what kind of camera I had. Turns out he’s a paparazzi photographer from Los Angeles. After exchanging a little chat I’m hoping to meet up with him in LA to do a little paparazzi work or at least drive around to see what it’s all about to follow someone famous. Wow! Pretty interesting, who would have guessed. But I’ve always wanted to hang out with a paparazzi photographer and see what it’s like.

Well tonight I’m staying at the house of one of Nancy’s best friends. I’m trying to prepare myself for a great night sleep for a big thanksgiving dinner tomorrow. It’s a beautiful house here, with welcoming and friendly people. However, I met about 20 people this evening and these names come at me so fast it’s hard to remember them all. But I hope to know them all much better by the end of the big dinner tomorrow with about 15-20 people. It should be a good Thanksgiving!