I went immediately from my last 3-day trip into a 2-day trip. I had about 9 hours at home before turning around and going right back to the airport. Fortunately, it would be an easy day – one leg from LAX to San Luis Obispo, basically a 30 minute flight and we were done by noon. It was a bit windy up California’s central coast, but the sun was shining and I was itching to explore. Although the airport is in San Luis Obispo, our hotel was in Pismo Beach, what I previously believed to be a mythical land that Bugs Bunny searched for until making a wrong turn at Albuquerque.

Why the airline would rather foot the bill for an oceanfront resort than a La Quinta in San Luis Obispo is not for me to question. I’ll take it. We even got coupons for two free drinks. I only redeemed one, primarily so I had a beverage to go with my chicken salad sandwich I bought at a nearby deli. I had brought my running gear and set out along the coast. My run took me to a place called Pirate’s Cove, not to be confused with the tacky mini-golf chain.

There were paths following the coast, though they weren’t really runner-friendly. They got quite overgrown and narrow at points with very rocky terrain beneath my feet. At points, I’m pretty sure I was hurdling poison oak. As of 8pm, I have not broken out in rash, and appear to be in the clear. The main point of interest at Pirate’s Cove is a hole in the rock known as Smuggler’s Cave. From this point, I turned around and went back to the hotel. It was now only 2:30, so there was plenty of day left.

I ended up doing the same route back to Pirate’s Cove, but just walking this time so I could take the pictures you see here. Everyone is very friendly. It has that whole small town feel. Everyone says, “Hello.” After returning from my long walk, I relaxed out on the balcony for a spell (wearing my sweatshirt since it was a bit brisk). I went back out for a stroll along the beach as the sun was going down. There was a wedding couple having their pictures taken and surfers scoping out the waves.