A BEACH WALK BLOG 2012-13

Another wonderful Sunset in Pismo Beach
Occasional observations from afternoon and evening beach walks along Pismo State Beach,
between Oceano Beach, Grover Beach and Pismo Beach,
along with a few detours to our favorite local establishments.

ALSO SEE:
Click HereA BEACH WALK BLOG #1 - 2009
Click HereA BEACH WALK BLOG #2 - 2010
Click HereA BEACH WALK BLOG #3 - 2011



Click HereBIRDS OF A FEATHER BEACH HOUSE WEBSITE

Click HereSHELL-EBRATION BEACH HOUSE WEBSITE

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Saturday, February 9, 2013 - Shakers Steak House & Mardi Gras at SLOdown Pub

Mardi Gras at the SLOdown Pub in Arroyo GrandeDinner tonight was at Shakers Steak House on Grand Ave. in Arroyo Grande.  It is one of the few steak houses that raise their own cattle.  The steaks were deliciously barbequed and nicely seasoned. Decorations were noting special, but hey, you come here for the steaks, not for the atmosphere.  They also had lamb, pork chops, ribs and other items that sounded interesting, but will have to save that for another visit.  We were in the mood for beef tonight.  After our delightful dinner, we walked across the hall to the SLOdown Pub, located in the same building.  Stony Hunter and the Rockhounds were playing and the theme was Mardi Gras.  The SLOdown Pub is popular with locals with a good selection of local beers and wines, a limited but tasty selection of food, and great music every almost every night from popular local bands.  This is a family friendly pub that attracts a wide variety of cliental, from teens to seniors.  As is typical, the dance floor is was busy.  In one corner a friendly game of pool was being played, while in another corner couples cuddled up on the sofas. Its relaxed atmosphere makes it a great place to meet old and new friends.


Sunset in Grover BeachFriday, February 8, 2013 - Another Beautiful Sunset

After rain off and on for most of the day, the skies cleared to create another beautiful sunset.  The creek flowing from the Pismo Lagoon was wider and deeper than usual, so we did not attempt to cross it.



Sunset in Pismo  BeachThursday, February 7, 2013 - An Otter in the Surf

An approaching storm created a wonderful sunset, with big billowing clouds and high waves.  An otter was playing in surf, about 15 feet from the shore.  He looked at us, we look at him, and then he dived into the waves and swam off.


Saturday, February 2, 2013 - Beach Burgers and The Melodrama

For dinner we had a delicious burger at Beach Burgers on Pier Ave. in Oceano.  It is located about half a block from the beach.   They have a nice variety of hamburgers as well as tasty selection of sides. The patties were huge and the buns fresh and flavorful.   I enjoyed the jalapeno burger.  After our burgers we took a short walk on the beach and enjoyed another wonderful sunset.  Then it was off to the Great American Melodrama.  The Melodrama provides a wonderful evening of entertainment at a modest price. Tonight's show was "Ken Ludwig's The Fox on the Fairway".  It was a fast-paced madcap comedy about an annual tournament between two golf clubs.  Who knew golf could be so humorous.  It was followed by "A Starry, Starry Night Vaudeville Revue" which was filled  song, dance and comedy.   Stars included everything from a star fish to rock stars to movie stars, including Bugs Bunny.  An enjoyable evening was had by all.


Thursday, January 31, 2013 - Beautiful Day - Busy Beach - Horse Problems

It was another warm, sunny day - a wonderful  day for a beach walk.  Apparently a lot of other folks thought so also.  Numerous people were walking along the beach.  Some with dogs, some without.  Some were riding horses.  One horse however did not not want to cross the small creek that drains the Pismo lagoon.  The creek is about 1 to 3 inches deep. Most people on foot were either walking through or hopping over the tiny creek.  But the horse would not budge.  Despite the repeated urging of the rider, attempts to lead the horse across the creek, by both the rider and another horse, the horse would not cross the tiny creek.


Ducks at the Oceano LagoonMonday, January 21, 2013 - Ducks

Numerous ducks and a wide variety of geese and other water fowl make home around the Oceano Lagoon.  It is fun to watch them swim by.


Sand Castle at Pismo BeachSunday, January 20, 2013 - Sand Castle

The warm summer weather continues.  It often seems warmer here in winter than in summer.  In winter we often will get the warm Santa Lucia winds blowing down the hills, while in summer the cool ocean fog is common.  On the beach a family was constructing a marvelous, large, sand castle, utilizing the "drip" technique.  The fine sand along Pismo Beach and low water table make it an ideal place to make "drip" sand castles. 



Fisherman at Grover BeachThursday, January 17, 2013 - Realtor on Horseback & Surf Fishing

Horses are popular in this area. Many folks go horseback riding along the beach.   There is a special "horse area" at the Grand Ave. beach Parking lot in Grover Beach.   The City Manager of Grover Beach regularly rides in local parades.  Today were walking through the Strand neighborhood in Oceano when a local Real Estate Agent rides up on a horse to show a house.
Along the beach there were a number of along the shore fishing in the surf.



Vagabond Inn 3131 South Virginia Street Reno, NSunday, January 13, 2013 - A Motel Sign in Reno

We are in Reno for a few days.  It is COLD here - about 15F.  Those of us from the Central Coast, where it rarely gets close to freezing, are not used to this kind of weather.  We saw this sign in front of a motel here.  Based on the sign, I am not sure I would want to stay there.



Harmony Headlands TrailHarmony Headlands TrailSaturday, January 12, 2013 - Harmony Headlands Trail

We explored the Harmony Headlands Trail.  The picturesque trail starts at Highway 1, near the community of Harmony, winds its way to the Ocean, then along runs along the bluffs where one gets wonderful views of the coast. The trail is about 4.5 miles long and is relatively flat. If visiting, be sure to stop by the tiny community of Harmony, where artists and crafters have taken over what was once a dairy town.  The Glassworks is especially impressive.


Wednesday, January 9, 2013 - Another Unusual Sunset

Just before the sun set behind a low cloudbank located some distance from the shore, it appeared to split into two.  The smaller upper portion turned green just before it disappeared.  The lower portion then set into the clouds.  It was a most unusual sunset.  In the evening we barbequed hotdogs at the Shell-ebration beach house, followed by an evening of karaoke.  Much fun was had by all.

Gulls at Pismo CreekSunday, January 6, 2013 - Gulls by Pismo Creek

Hundreds of Gulls positioned themselves in the area where Pismo Creek runs into the Ocean, watching for some food to show up.  The creek is now deep and wide enough that we can no longer hop across, but we actually get our feet wet. 


Saturday, January 5, 2013 - Lots of Birds

The recent storm must have stirred up lots of goodies for the birds, as there were thousands of birds out along the beach.  Sandpipers were poking their long beaks deep into the sand.  Sanderlings were running and hopping back and forth along the beach as the surf moved in and out.  Further out flocks of Cormorants were bobbing up and down in the swells along the beach. The gulls stood on the beach watching all the activity, waiting for something to turn up that they could snatch away.  

Sun setting behind the clouds on Oceano BeachFriday, January 4, 2013 - An Unusual Sunset

A band of off-shore clouds produced an unusual sunset, as the sun sank behind the clouds and into the sea.



Kim Harrgan gets engaged at the Great American MelodramaSunday, December 23, 2012 - An Engaging Performance

We had a delightful dinner at Old Juan's Cantina in Oceano.  As usual, the food was delicious and service attentive.  Then it was off to the show at the Great American Melodrama in Oceano.  Tonight's performance was their annual Holiday Extravaganza.  It was a full evening of great entertainment.  First was a wonderful performance of Dicken's "A Christmas Carol".  It was followed by a hilarious takeoff on the story of "The Three Pigs", which was larded with numerous pig puns, along with characters from various other fairy tales and a dash of Shakespeare.  Finally there was the Holiday Vaudeville Revue, which featured a series of lively song and dance acts.  Following the second intermission, after honoring birthdays and wedding anniversaries of audience members,  Kim Harrigan was asked to come up on the stage, ostensibly to present her with a piece of birthday cake.  The young woman looked rather confused, until her fiancée, Justin, stepped up, presented her with a ring, and asked her to marry him.  She sweetly accepted and the audience went wild. Kevin, the House Manager consumed the piece of cake while all this was going on. Throughout the rest of the show  the actors worked various references into the production about to the engagement.


Waves at Grover BeachWednesday, December 19, 2012 - Pretty Waves

It was a cool, clear, sunny day.  The Met Life Blimp flew overhead. The surf was unusually heavy, at least for the Pismo Beach area.  Sprays of mist sailed off the waves as they crashed towards the shore.



Santa comes to Grover Beach and Oceano in a Fire TruckSanta comes to Grover Beach in a Fire TruckSunday, December 16, 2012 - Santa Claus comes to town!

Each year, Santa Claus comes to Grover Beach and Oceano in a big Fire Truck, with lights blazing and the siren sounding, courtesy of the Five Cities Fire Authority.  Santa slowly drives up and down most of the streets in town, giving girls and boys, as well as adults, a chance to meet and greet Santa.  Rather than a crew of elves, Santa has a crew of firefighters giving him a hand and guiding his fire truck.


Birds gather at the creek that flows from the Pismo Lagoon to the Ocean.Christmas Tree at the Pismo PierTuesday, December 11, 2012 - A River Returns

We had a much needed rain storm.  It has been a dry year, so we are grateful for the rain.  The creek that sometimes flows from the Pismo Lagoon to the Ocean returned after many months of being dry.  Numerous birds gathered at the mouth of the creek to see what goodies get washed down.  As we approached the Pismo Pier, the Christmas tree came on, with its colorful lights against a colorful sunset.


Saturday, November 24, 2012 - A Wave from an Airplane

It was another beautiful, warm afternoon.  As we walked along the beach, Banner Airways flew overhead in their Stearman biplane.  We waved at the airplane, and the airplane tipped its wings to wave back to us.


Pismo Beach Christmas TreeFriday, November 23, 2012 - Pismo Beach Christmas Tree

Pismo Beach lighted their "Christmas Tree" located a the end of the Pier.  It can be seen for miles around.



Thanksgiving clam in Pismo BeachPhotographer capturing Thanksgiving Sunset at Pismo Beach

Thursday, November 22, 2012 - Happy Thanksgiving

It was a warm Thanksgiving, with temperatures about 70.  A lot of folks, including us, decided to take an afternoon waddle on the beach after gorging on a delicious Thanksgiving meal.  People were snapping photos of the family at the beach and of the gorgeous sunset.


A beautiful Grover Beach SunsetSaturday, November 17, 2012 - Sunsets

There have been many beautiful and impressive sunsets this week.  The impressive sunsets were made even more colorful by smoke from a controlled burn at Montaña De Oro State Park, which is a short distance up the coast.  The controlled burn got out of control and burned more than was intended.  Rain later in the week made sure the fire completely was out, and produced more impressive clouds and sunsets.



Sunday, November 11, 2012 - Pug Party

The local Pug Rescue Society held its first annual Pugsgiving at the Pismo Beach Golf Course in Grover Beach.  There were lots of Pugs, music, more Pugs, food, Pugs, and even a few other dogs as well.  It was fun seeing so many Pugs running around.


A bird admires a Pismo Beach SunsetEgret on the beachMonday, November 5, 2012 - Birds on the Beach

The warm weather continues, with temperatures in the 70's.  It is often warmer on the Central Coast in the Fall and Winter than in the Summer!  There have been numerous birds on the beach, including sandpipers, egrets, and of course, lots of gulls.


66th Annual Pismo Beach Clam FestivalSaturday - Sunday October 20-21, 2012 - Busy Weekend

It was a busy weekend.  The 66th annual Pismo Clam Festivals was going on in Pismo Beach, with a parade, bands, food, contests and more food all weekend.  Saturday afternoon was unusually chilly.  I am sure the Hot Chocolate vendor did well.  The sun came out Sunday afternoon for a glorious afternoon of music.  Saturday we also attended the Central Coast Classic in Arroyo Grande.  The Central Coast Classic is a marching band and color guard field show competition, bringing together High School marching bands from the Central Valley and the Central Coast.  The kids did wonderful shows with precision formations all while marching and playing their instruments.  The Templeton High School band was most amazing, with the band members changing instruments without a break in the music.  Even one of the Color Guards was playing an instrument at one point.



Thursday, October 18, 2012 - 50+ Expo

We headed off to the 50+ Expo at the South County Regional Center in Arroyo Grande.  Most vendors was handing out candy, cookies or other sweets.  Except for the Arroyo Grande Community Hospital.  It was giving out free blood glucose testing.


Tuesday, October 16, 2012 - Unusual Sunset

Unusual Sunset in Grover BeachIt was an unusual sunset this evening.  As the sun descended through the off-shore fog bank, it looked almost like a nuclear explosion rising from the Ocean.



Sunday, October 14, 2012 - Oso Flaco Lake

We hiked through Oso Flaco Lake today.  As we entered the park there was a sign warning us about bear sightings.  We did not see any skinny bears ( or other any other sort for that matter).  We did see a variety birds as we crossed the bridge over the lagoon as well as a large number of birds along the beach, as well as a few photographers taking pictures of the birds. 


Saturday, October 13, 2012 - Looking Up

It was a beautiful warm morning.  Along the beach thousands of Sanderlings were scurrying back and forth.  It is fascinating to watch them.  Many will hop on one leg, yet still are able to move amazingly fast.  One will grab something in its beak and another Sanderling will chase it until the item is dropped.   The next bird picks it up and the cycle is repeated.  I am not sure when they have a chance eat whatever it is they are carrying around.  Also along the beach are the Sandpipers and an occasional gull, looking much more sedate.   A group of pelicans fly in formation, just inches above the breaking waves.  It is amazing how close they fly to the surface, without ever touching it.  Higher over head a group of five Ultra-lights take off from the Oceano Airport and head north.  Even higher the SkyDive Pismo Beach plane gains altitude, ready to make a parachute drop


Friday, October 12, 2012 - Dinner at Brad's

We walked to downtown Pismo from the Grover Beach parking lot and had dinner at Brad's Restaurant.  The Tri-tip salad was excellent, with a generous portion of their famous barbequed tri-tip.  Service was prompt and attentive.  The sun broke through the clouds as we were finishing dinner,  providing for a beautiful late afternoon stroll along the beach back to Grover.
 


Wednesday, October 10, 2012 - Dolphins!

The morning brought some much needed rain.  It has been months since we had rain around here. The skies cleared and it was a warm and sunny afternoon.  The sea was remarkable calm and flat, especially considering a storm had just passed through.  About 60 yards offshore a school of dolphins were leaping through the water.


Pismo Beach SunsetPismo Beach SunsetMonday, October 8, 2012 - Wonderful Sunsets

The sunsets have been gorgeous, and tonight’s was especially spectacular. It was another warm afternoon.  The sunset started off with a series bright orange rays spreading out to heaven.  As the sun disappeared behind a low cloud the rays merged into one, creating a great orange finger pointing into the sky.  The sun then briefly emerged beneath the low cloud as a bright orange ball, before dipping behind the horizon.  The bright finger of orange continued to reach into the sky even after the sun had vanished.  All along the beach people were stopping to take pictures and admire the beauty.  Unfortunately it is impossible to capture the grandure of the sunset using a smart phone camera.



Monday, October 1, 2012 - We are having a heatwave!

It got up to the mid 80's by the beach, and over 100 inland.  A breeze off the ocean kept the beach quite comfortable, so as might be expected, a lot of folks came to the beach to cool off.  Though it was busy, with miles of beach along here, there was plenty of room for everyone without crowds


Sunday, September 23, 2012 - Sand Sculptures

For the last three days, artist Phil Singer from New York, has been creating huge, wonderful and imaginative sand sculptures next to the Pismo Pier.  I only wish one of my cameras was working so I could get a picture, however both my Nikon and Kodak died.  Modern digital cameras just don't last like the old film cameras.


Saturday, September 22, 2012 - Party of the Beach!

We attended a wonderful birthday party on the beach this evening, complete with a campfire and making s'mores while relaxing in the sand.  Others were also enjoying the beach, I counted over a dozen other campfires up and down the coast between Grover Beach and Oceano.  Groups ranged in size from 2 to over 50.  One group even brought a horse trailer onto the beach and was giving horse and pony rides.  Some of the young kids looked a bit apprehensive at the "big" ponies, but once they got on they were smiling with delight.   Watching a fire on the  beach while listening to the surf is a fun and relaxing way to spend an evening.


Friday, September 21, 2012 - Space Shuttle Flys By

At about 11:15 this morning the Space Shuttle Endeavour, mounted atop a special Boeing 747 and escorted by a chase plane, flew over Pismo Beach, Grover Beach and Oceano, on its way to Los Angeles.  It was quite an impressive sight!


Saturday, September 15, 2012 - A Busy Beach

It was a beautiful sunny Saturday afternoon and a lot was going on.  On the water surfers were riding the waves, and jet skiers jumping them.  Overhead were sky divers were parachuting and the Banner Airways biplane was giving scenic rides.  On the beach were numerous folks like us taking an afternoon walk, driving, or just parked and enjoying the sunshine and waves. A large flock of Sanderlings were scurrying back and forth along the shore. Further south were the ATV riders, and a bit to the north, Beach Butlerz was gearing up for a big beach party.  A wonderful Saturday afternoon was being had by all.


Wednesday, September 12, 2012 - Sanderlings are Back!

The Sanderlings started returning from their annual migration to the Arctic a few days ago.  Today they were out in full force.  There were thousands of them on the beach between Pier Ave. in Oceano and Grand Avenue in Grover Beach.  It is fascinating to watch the birds move all together, like a herd.  As we approach the flocks the they run on either side of us, then close in behind us as soon as we pass.  We felt like Moses parting the Red Sea, only we were parting the huge flocks of Sanderlings.  Even the vehicles driving on the beach did not seem to disturb them.

The Sanderlings enjoy the excellent fall and winter weather on the Central Coast.  It has been sunny, with a light breeze and temperatures in the 60's to low 70's on most days. You should come join the Sanderlings for some beautiful Central Coast weather.

While in Oceano we spied an Osprey that had pulled a fish out of the Oceano Lagoon.


Birds on the beachFriday, September 7, 2012 - Birds on the Beach

Lots of birds on the beach today, including Brown Pelicans, Caspian Terns and various Gulls.

Saturday, September 5, 2012 - Stuffed Pelicans

We were at Avila Beach and saw numerous Pelicans on the Pier.  Fishing must have been good for the birds as their pouches were so stuffed with fish that they could not hold them all.  Some fish were hanging partway out.  Other Pelicans were stealing the fishout of the pouch.  Below the the pier the sea lions were waiting for fish to fall out so they could grab them.


Sunday, August 5, 2012 - Whales!

We started the afternoon listening and dancing to music of the Guy Budd Band at the ongoing Sizzlin' Summer Concert Series and Farmers' Market in Ramona Gardens Park in Grover Beach,    We also some delicious fresh peaches and berries from some of the vendors.  Then it was off to the beach for our beach walk.  A large pod of whales were just a short distance off shore.  From the beach we could see numerous whales spouting and breaching the surface.  Overhead numerous birds were circling and diving.  There must have been a school of fish just below the surface.


Saturday, August 4, 2012 - Dinner at Brad's

We had a very pleasant walk from the Grover Beach parking lot to downtown Pismo Beach, where we had dinner at Brad's.  There was a bit of a wait, but service was pleasant and efficient once we got seated, and the food was excellent. The menu has a nice mixture of barbecue (recommended) and seafood.  After dinner we walked back to Grover.  Along the way we observed whales spouting a short distance off shore.


Beach Butlerz puts on a party on the beachThursday, August 2, 2012 - Beach Party

Someone was preparing for a BIG party on the Beach.  Beach Butlerz was setting out chairs, couches, tents, tee pees,  and torches for a ready made shindig.  They were also barbeque's up some delicious smelling Santa Maria style tri-tip.  It is sure is a lot easier than hauling all the stuff and setting it up yourself.  Too bad we were not invited.


Dogs dancing at the Grover Beach Sizzlin' Summer Concert SeriesSunday, June 24, 2012  Dogs dancing to the music in the Park

It was a beautiful, warm, afternoon with a pleasant Ocean breeze to keep everyone comfortable.  We headed off to Ramona Garden's Park in Grover Beach were we enjoyed the music of Neon Russell, as part of the on-going Sizzlin' Summer Concert Series and Farmers' Market.  Even the dogs were dancing!  Also grabbed some good grub and local beers from some of the fine vendors at the event.

Canoeing in the Oceano LagoonSaturday, June 23, 2012  Canoeing on the Oceano Lagoon

We and some friends went canoeing through the Oceano Lagoon.  It was very peaceful and one could up close to the numerous birds that inhabit the lagoon.  Some of the bridges over the lagoon had low hanging pipes, which meant we had to almost lie flat to get under the bridge.  Others were fishing in the lagoon, though I do not know if they caught anything.





A sand JesusFriday, June 15, 2012 Jesus on the Beach

We have seen numerous sand castles, occasional mermaids, some men and women carved from the sand, but this was the first time we encountered a sand Jesus on the Cross.


Saturday, January 7, 2012 - The Green Flash

It was a warm Saturday afternoon. It often seems that the warmest time of year along the Central coast is in winter.  As we were standing by the Pismo Pier, we was the elusive Green Flash just as the sun went down. 


Questions or Comments?   You may e-mail me at  blog@oceanovacationhomes.com


ALSO SEE:

Click HereA BEACH WALK BLOG #1 - 2009
Click HereA BEACH WALK BLOG #2 - 2010
Click HereA BEACH WALK BLOG #3 - 2011

Click Here A SHORT HISTORY OF THE STRAND NEIGHBORHOOD OF OCEANO BEACH



Click HereOceanoVacationHomes HOME PAGE

Click HereTOUR OF THE BIRDS OF A FEATHER BEACH HOUSE

Click Here BIRDS OF A FEATHER BEACH HOUSE WEBSITE

Click HereTOUR OF THE SHELL-EBRATION BEACH HOUSE

Click HereSHELL-EBRATION BEACH HOUSE WEBSITE


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