Winery & Pismo Beach

We’ve joined Harvest Hosts – you can stay overnight with your RV at wineries, farms, breweries, distilleries, golf courses and attractions for free – they just ask that you support the “host” with a purchase of around US$20.
After another harrowing day on the road (although I am getting better, and it is easier without the wind) – we arrived at Dark Star winery. Did some wine tasting (all delicious) and for the first time had an “unfiltered” wine and a Rousanne (white wine). Another couple spending the night here – Joey & Bob (in their 70s) who have been living “on the road” for two years now. Their “fifth wheel” is like a palace. We asked for a tour – and kinda wish we hadn’t, ours feels horribly inadequate now! They had leather, massaging couches, a TV AND a gas FIREPLACE in their lounge, kitchen with full sized double-door fridge AND an island bench, bedroom with queen free-standing bed, wardrobes and a bathroom. RV-envy, however I would NOT like to drive around towing that! The benefit of a fifth-wheel of course is that you can unhook it and drive the ute (bakkie, pick-up) around town and to various attractions, shops etc without having to battle for parking.

The draw back of our RV is that WHERE-EVER we go, we have to take our bedroom, kitchen and bathroom with us. The benefit of an RV is that we have our bedroom, kitchen and bathroom with us wherever we go! 🙂

The night at the winery was the coldest to date – dropped to 1C (34F) overnight! Jarrah had about 5 layers of clothes on (beanie included) and was still awake most of the night trying to get warm.

Lady at winery told us that we may hear Coyotes during the night and she was right – heard them at about midnight and again a few hours later – unfortunately, didn’t get to see them.

Went to Trader Joes in the morning (first visit) in a small town called Templeton – both of us noticed what a lovely place it appeared to be to live in. Lovely homes, and everyone so incredibly friendly.

Next stop was Morro Bay where we came across sea otters again – this time having a snooze and cuddling with their young.

Not much else going on there so took some pics and videos and headed to Madonna Inn (recommended by some lovely young ladies from San Fran that we met at Fernwood campsite in Big Sur).

Quick aside here – these lovely ladies (late 20s) get together every year on this weekend at Fernwood. Seven of them this year, sometimes up to 12 of them. The leader of the gang told me that she works at a small hair salon in San Fran and they decided to hold a fund-raising event for the Australian Bushfires – raised US$7K which they donated to a wildlife rescue place in Victoria. Everyone we’ve met so far have been so genuinely saddened by what Australia has been through with the fires.

Back to Madonna Inn – (not THAT Madonna) – some guy whose surname is Madonna, apparently built this place for his wife/in memory of his wife – maybe someone else’s wife? – who knows! It is the epitome of kitsch with really OTT decor in their steakhouse for starters (see pics below). The rooms and suites need to be seen to be believed – you can appreciate it in all its glory here: Madonna Inn.

From there headed to Pismo Beach – OMG, it’s like we’ve arrived in RV heaven (or hell!). RV “Resort” with 365 spaces (that’s the hell part), heated pool, arcade room for the kids, restaurant, shop (that sells everything from clothing to spare parts for the RV), mini golf, bikes for hire AND right on the beach!!

But most importantly – WIFI that not only works but at high speed (that’s the heaven part) – hence all these updates.

The size of the other RVs makes ours look like a mini-cooper and we feel like the poor cousins 🙁 More RV envy!

We’re on the move again tomorrow (Friday -California time). Heading to Death Valley but breaking the journey with an overnight stay at a golf course (through Harvest Host membership). If you don’t hear from us for a while – it’s either because of no WiFi again or we’ve perished at Death Valley.

Giggle for the day:
Just found this about Highway 1 (just as well we didn’t see this before we set off):
“Even in great weather highway 1 is one of the most dangerous highways in the state.”

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