Last weekend was the first time since last year that we spent the night away from home. We went up to Paso Robles, CA, for a couple of nights with the main goal of getting to the Mission San Miguel Arcangelo. The esposo’s parents came with us, and it was good for them to get out of town, too. It’s always nice to travel with them.
We stayed in the wine country outside of the town of Paso Robles itself, amongst rolling green hills covered with wild flowers, studded with oak trees, and lined with vineyards.
Paso Robles is located in the central coast California county of San Luis Obispo, and since the mid 70s or so has become well known for its wine production. We enjoyed Daou Vineyards and Le Vigne wines. I also think it should be recognized for its beer, too! There are a couple of breweries we enjoyed, with good pub grub and a nice variety of beers. Since we were staying 20 minutes outside of town, we soon became familiar with all the strange roads and twists needed to get into Paso Robles itself.
The drive up took us inland from the coast. Along Hwy 154, which connects Santa Barbara to the Santa Ynez Valley, we were able to see just how the rains have filled our water reservoirs. Lake Cachuma was full. Stopping at various points, we could see how green our hills have become and lots of lovely water!
Alongside Lake Cachuma, the oaks and undergrowth were filled with grasses, miner’s lettuce, and flowers. A lot of green! There was a sandy path to follow above the lake, and it led to some wonderful springtime surprises.
And so we drove on through, along the 154 to connect once more with the 101 to Paso Robles. We had coffee in town and then off to the B&B. And then back into town for dinner. And finally, a sunset from the patio at day’s end.
Ink, Yarn & Beer 
Nice travelogue!
Thanks, Fraggy! More tomorrow.
Wow. I would love to see California during the spring. My sister-in-law, who lives in Petaluma, tells me about it. I’ve only been there in the brown days of summer.
This has been a beautiful spring – longer than many. In fact, we are getting more rain in a few days – maybe! The winter rains are sometimes there or not – but even if you get only a few, the beauty is something fleeting. NoCal, where Petaluma is, has more rain than here in Ventura County (one county above L.A. County) I expect. Make a point of getting out here in the spring – it is a lovely, gentle time of year. Glad you like the snaps!
Great images -N! They brought back memories of when we used to camp at Lake Cachuma when our kids were young. We lived in the Valley then.