Hiker fail.

We hiked up to the highest point Ray could find close to San Luis Obispo.

It was gorgeous.

It was hot.

I made it to the point where we could see the ocean.

Yep. See that white line waaaaay out there?

That's the cool, refreshing waters of the Pacific.

Then my vision started to blur.

The background?

Pretty much what I saw...

So I made like a pig.

Found some cool dirt, and flopped.

(okay, I'll be truthful. This was earlier in the hike.

And I didn't make it all the way to the top.

I waited in the shade and attempted a cool-down.

It was humbling.)

When we got back...

we heard all about the heat wave. 107° in San Luis.

117° in outlying areas.

So-heat and Becky...not a super mix.

The end.

27Sept2010

Montana de Oro

Our gracious hosts took us to this beautiful park for a stroll one evening.

We stayed up on the cliffside, not venturing to rappel to the beach in the waning light of the sun.

Still. Ocean. Cliffs. Rocks.

Ahhh!

26Sep2010

Vertical gardens {and more}

My amiga Heidi discovered this place awhile back and told me I HAD to go.

I was glad I did.

Except, now I need a vertical garden...filled to the brim with succulents.

Or a car planter.

Teeny-tiny, but glorious.

Succulent flowers.

sigh.

22Sept2010

Sculpture

A man made of letters.

Or words.

But, his feet and his heart don't speak.

Slightly disturbing, yes?

San Francisco Ferry Market

When I got to San Francisco, the Ferry Building usually ends up as a trip feature.

There are some neat shops inside,

but the farmer's market is a large pull.

We went on a Thursday, when its not nearly as large as the Saturday market.

But the produce was still lovely.

And appealing.

And piled high.
23Sept2010

How cats 'help'.

This is NOT an uncommon scene when I'm packing for a trip.

Do I think animals 'know'?

Yes.

This cat is never as affectionate or cuddly or sweet as when I start to pack for a trip.

And then she jumps onto my piles.

And kneads them.

And purrs like mad.

And pretends to take a snooze.

When REALLY, its all part of her evil scheme...

to get as much hair into my suitcase as possible.

Virginia Creeper

This stuff appears in my garden every once in awhile.

And I learned what it is, finally.