Back from Vacation

Back home!  Went on a little vacation to Southern California, mostly to visit with friends and cousins that I have scattered all across that region.  It was a great time, (Thanks, Folks!).  Besides socializing, there were a few things of interest that I visited:

1.        The Integratron is one of the great monuments to the UFO cults of the Fifties and Sixties, now transformed into a sort of New Age center.  http://integratron.com/

2.       The L.A. Arboretum is a very interesting and relaxing place to wander around and admire its plants and gardens.  The section devoted to Australian plants was my favorite.  www.arboretum.org.

3.       The Fess Parker Winery and Inn. Great chardonnay, and a wonderful place to stay, in the pretty town of Los Olivos.  http://www.fessparkerinn.com/  & https://www.fessparkerwines.com/

4.       Pismo Beach – a fun beach and resort town.  http://www.pismobeach.org/ Go for the walk and view on the pier, stay for their famous clam chowder. 

5.       Morro Rock – the plug left by an ancient volcano.  Really beautiful, and quite impressive http://www.slostateparks.com/morro_rock/

6.       The Stone Brewery Store in Pasadena - https://www.facebook.com/StoneStorePasadena.  I have yet to get to my favorite brewery’s headquarters, but this was a nice substitute. Finally got to try the chipotle smoked porter:  Yum!

7.       Walked around downtown Pasadena, and this instantly became my favorite shop in the neighborhood – http://goldbugpasadena.com/

8.       A great place to shop for Halloween, (and other Holiday) decorations - http://www.christmastraditions.com/Themes/HWeen/TradHall.htm