Roadtrip Itinerary...Each Trip Must Haves

All good roadtrips, at least, for the Get Along
start with a plan.  Always leave early.  Our
kids are accustomed to getting up early.
They sleep most of the first leg of the trip,
at least until they are hungry or need a restroom.

San Luis Obispo

Bring a cooler with water and some snacks.
Mr. Lee likes to bring a few treats: Monster,
Diet Coke and  sunflower seeds. Every
roadtrip includes a Slim Jim for me.  I
can hear you, gross but it's an occasional
treat and a 30 plus year tradition. One small
bag of Funyuns.  Don't judge me.

Old Town Orcutt Garden Center

The things we Google:
A place to stay-pool availability.
The best breakfast in each area.
Specialty foods available,
eat where the locals eat.
Bookstores used and new.
Record/music stores.
Thrift stores, check out their hours.
Garden centers.
Hardware stores.
Fabric and yarn.

Deja Vu Antiques at the Loading Dock, Old Town Orcutt

A place to stay, because we travel with a family,
and our budget is modest
we stick to the name brands.  Holiday Inn,
Fairfield, Comfort Suites, Best Western,
the occasional Hilton (treat).
Join their loyalty clubs and use your AAA card.
It is a must to stay some where it is safe and clean.

Deja Vu Antiques at the Loading Dock

When the kids were little, we stayed in motels primarily.
We didn't want to traipse through a hotel
lobby or floors with all the baby paraphernalia.
It was easier to simply pull up to the door of our room.
It's not a consideration now because everyone helps carry.

Solvang 

Treasure Hunting in the Central Coast

I want MY CHILDREN
to have all the things I couldn't afford
then I want to move in with them.
  
                             Phyllis Diller

During the Memorial Day weekend, we
were mindful of all who gave the ultimate
sacrifice. With a son serving in the Army,
it is never too far from our minds, all the
families who sacrifice so much for peace
at home.  For their service and sacrifice
we are ever grateful.

California is blessed to have the historical 
missions .

Mission San Luis Obispo Tolosa regular Mass
may be attended here.

The SLO Mission Courtyard, houses
the Santa Maria-type barbecues. This type of bbq may be found
through the central coast region of California, in church courtyards,
restaurants,  and even outside supermarkets.

The hydrangeas (or hortencias like my mother called them)
are a deep pink from lime in the soil. Where the hortencias
I am accustomed to are the blue flowers so common in the
Azores.  The blue hortencias  require aluminum-sulfate in the soil.

This mission's grounds are compact but well maintained.

Glorious Spanish tile roof.

The local hardware store carried these
miniature Santa Maria bbqs.