Day 9 (June 19)-Recovery in Morro Bay



The Masterpiece Motel



Scenic Morro Bay was chosen for the day I would rest my ol' bag o' bones (after 463 miles of cycling).  We have found this area to be delightful.  The climate is cool yet still sunny (as soon as the morning fog lifts), the people are friendly, and the atmosphere is laid back.



A Roman Bath does a body good!



Yesterday afternoon we visited Morro Bay's weekly Farmer's Market  downtown and secured some strawberries, blackberries and oatmeal cookies.  We sampled honey and olives and raisins.  Dinner consisted of snacking on this variety of delictables, along with the complimentary cheese at our lodging.  We're staying in a place called "El Morro Masterpiece Motel."  All the hallways and rooms are uniquely decorated with samples of art from Rembrandt and Renoir to Picasso and Norman Rockwell.  It's a fun place!  I rewarded myself with some time in the Roman Bath.  Ah... I could feel all those miles just floating away!

This morning we slept in (we call it "recovery"), then headed down to "Top Dog Coffee Bar" where we had brunch.  The back patio was beautifully landscaped and gardened, and there were white butterflies galore flitting from one brightly colored flower to the next (along with a honey bee or two, which made Carolyn happy!).



We trekked back up over the mountains, past Atascadero, to Templeton Road, where I'd actually made a wrong turn yesterday as I was biking to San Luis Obispo.  However, my mistake turned out to be a blessing.  I discovered what would be the highlight of our day today.



Carolyn and her newfound friends



Happy Acres Family Farm raises goats organically and turns the milk into all kinds of products: cheese, lotion, hair products and soap.  They also sold farm fresh organic eggs and local honey.  The "kids" were glad to see us, and Stephanie, who ran the farm, was more than happy to have us feed them protein-rich peanuts.  Because Carolyn is contemplating owning a goat or two in her retirement, she and Stephanie had a very enlightening talk about what was involved in goat farming.  This farm started out with one goat five years ago, and now has 200!  The farm is certified and inspected every other week.  They get up at 6am every morning to milk the goats.  Several high school girls worked there as well.  You can tell everyone is so passionate about what they do on the farm.



Mark "recovering" downtown
San Luis Obispo



Retracing the bike route of yesterday, we stop to wash the pigeon poop and dust off our vehicle at a local car wash, and wind up back at San Luis Obispo Creek and the mission.  Mexican food is enjoyed on a patio overlooking the creek.  After lunch we try to locate "Morro Bees," but it seems they have either moved or gone out of business.  We head back to Masterpiece Motel for an afternoon nap (and to do a week's worth of laundry).

Indeed, a day of rest and recovery!



Back patio of the Top Dog Coffee Shop