The Adventures of Fric and Frac: Adventure 175: The Vines RV Park/Paso Robles, CA/Post B

Sadly, I'm behind by one in the Paso Robles Open. The Wily Cager edged me by three pegs with some sleight of hand shenanigans down the stretch, but once I cleared the doleful mist of losing from my eyes, I looked outside to yet another sky blue day. I never get tired of the sun, and I've decided that 60-65 is a perfect temperature. After breakfast, we scampered up to the San Miguel Mission, another in the string of Franciscan Missions. This one is more pedestrian than the one in Carmel. It also has more of its original structure left. The fathers chose this site because of the large Salinan Indian population living in the area. Built in 1797, the church design is quite similar to Carmel, and there is a statue of Father Sera in the courtyard, so maybe he was the driving force for more than one settlement. One major difference is the original Fresco paintings on the interior walls of the church still exist. They have faded a bit over time, but they are still very impressive. After our visit, we joined the throng of Californians cruising Highway 101 and ventured south to Paso Robles, where we stopped at a local Taco truck (Twice:coming and going). Cheap, delicious, fresh, and friendly. What more could a person want in a lunch stop. We especially enjoyed our reserved bench right outside the laundry mat. Not to worry though, we became first worlders just a few minutes later when we did a mini-tour through the wine country. Over three hundred wineries dot the hillsides, most of which sport opulent facilities, full court pressing sales people, high hub attitudes, and generally excellent wines. We made two tastings before we'd had enjoyed as much of that as we could stand. We were on a quest. First, we had to purchase some wine for our good friends, the Cramer's who live in San Diego (We'll be seeing them later this month). We really miss them. We used to play tennis with them when they lived in Spokane, but more importantly, we used to cooke elaborate meals together. I especially remember one night when we made hand rolled raviolis, each one with an embedded parsley leaf. It took forever, but they were fabulous. Also, they enjoy wine and are especially knowledgeable. I always like to help people enjoy what they love. Second, we had to buy some wine for our good friends back home, the Ulmen's, who have graciously let us freeload on their Dish account so we can watch the Zags remotely. We'll save one of the best bottles for them just because. We asked around and chose the most exclusive of the exclusive. Once again, it sucks not to be drinking, but I must remember that my honey bunny likes me better when I'm not slobbering ( I really do't know the meaning of moderation). The best news is that after our jaunt, I put the tandem back together and took Stumpy on a lap around the RV park with not a whimper stirring. She was pleasantly surprised. I think this means we'll be on the bike in the near future. I wish she was ready now. The drive we took through the vineyards today just begged to be experienced on a bicycle. Maybe next year, but until then we thankfully remember life is good, especially today.

After a better night's sleep, Stumpy gave us a morning smile.

Hot tub selfie: Nothing quite like a hot tub and a hot babe.

Art shot of the day: America the beautiful.

We find these parking spots reserved for Stumpy everywhere we go. Amazing.

The Roman arches surround the main courtyard, which was closed to the public.

Part of one of the Frescos on the wall inside the church.

Spanish style strong boxes, or I guess you could say, "Piggy Banks".

Hail Mary, full of Grace.

This wheel was fashioned from one piece of wood.

Olive oil press.

A bronze of Father Sera gazing to the east.

While the church is styled like Carmel (Eighty feet long and thirty feet high), this plain eastern window is not fashioned as a star to catch the summer solstice.