Move over Ivars

Smooth sailing to Pismo, no thanks to Hwy 101.  That is one neglected road surface.  Smooth only from Santa Barbara to Goleta, the state has solved the problem by putting up lots of “rough road” signs.  The longer the roads stay neglected, the more accurate they are.  Going to go by Grandpa “Lupe’s” old place by the Oceano airport tomorrow and then stop by Randy Stromsoe’s in Templeton.  Don’t know how far we’ll get, but plan to end up somewhere on I5 poised for the sprint past Sacramento the next day.

Found the BEST clam chowder yet (always open to try out a challenger) at the "Splash Cafe" in Pismo Beach near the pier.  I think they cheat and use a TON of butter.  The broth could stand alone but then they add a healthy amount of clam and minimum potato.  I got the bread bowl which they grill before coring and filling with chowder.  Unfortunately, I found out they will top it off with a healthy amount of crab for another dollar.  These people are diabolical!

A shot of the Furnace creek Chevron left out of previous posts.

Yes, the sign says "diesel 5.77"

This isn’t price gouging, oh no; 20 miles away the price was $4.49.

Stay Alert, there may be more soon.

Roots

Saw the rolling hills of Calabasas where I spent my youth hunting everything from tarantulas  to hawks to keep as pets.  They look a little different; must be all the homes blanketing them.

Spent yesterday evening with the Pontoppidan’s and the Buckley’s.  Not fair!  They were supposed to get older like us.  Anyway, it was fun to reminisce and see Greg and his family too.  Hope it doesn’t take us another 20 years to do it again.

Hope to wrap it up here today and get back on the road.  So I’d better keep it short.

Stay safe.