The Crazy Camping Trip!

We had a few days off, so we took advantage of it. We decided to go camping at the beach. We left Friday afternoon, traveled to south of Monterey, and there were no campsites to be found, all full. We went to at least ten campgrounds. We ended the night is a cheap Motel 6, and continued our quest the next day.

Day 2-- We went to Pismo Beach/Oceano dunes, which is a HUGE place, again campground full. We did stay there for a few hours, had lunch and played in the water. We had a very anxious girl, who was ready for the beach!!! On to Morro Bay, nothing. We ended up 25 miles north of Santa Barbara at Lake Cachuma. (Coincidently, down the street from Neverland ranch) It was a place I don't care to go back to. When I picture camping, I think of mountains, trees, cooler weather, a lake or river to play in. This place was the exact opposite. It was 100 degrees. We did have shade, but many others did not. There was a lake but you couldn't go swimming in it, due to it being used for human consumption, yet fishing boats could be in it. It was ridden with squirrels. Yet it was camping, we got to have a fire, roast marshmallows, play games, climbed trees, etc. It was fun.

Day 3-- we headed back north on PCH1 and decided we would stay at the first campground we found. We stayed at San Simeon state park, just south of Hearst Castle. It was great. We got to camp near the beach and go play, it was cool weather. It was perfect! We had a great weekend.

Camping is the way to go for a cheap and fun vacation. Pull stuff out of the cupboards and freezer. Gary keeps all his camping gear ready (i.e. stove, plates, matches, Sleeping bags) We just open a cupboard and put it in the truck. YET, we learned you HAVE TO HAVE RESERVATIONS at least 2 days in advance in California.

Pictures are not in order.....

Gary is our master chef!

Pretty girl loved the beach

Mommy and Jill posing for Dad, proof I was there too!

Jill would not wait for a swimsuit, so she went in her clothes! Gary too!

She is so precious!

Our campsite at Lake Cachuma

She's so proud of her castle!

Julia Pfieffer Burns State Park, A must see on PCH1, Much prettier when the sun is out!!