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On a Mission

Road tripping to SLO

By Carl Fisher

September 7^th, 2020

Motorin

With the limitations on travel for most of 2020, it has been challenging to really escape from the mundane of the everyday, which has really been amplified by the isolation. On the good side, I've had a chance to get to know my local surroundings on a more intimate level than I likely would have had restrictions not been in place. But then, I can only get so deep into the local scene before it becomes just too mundane. Fortunately, the times do allow for road trips and I took advantage of a few days off to head South. Not south of the US border, but south of the county border and a bit beyond. My goal was San Louis Obispo (SLO), but there were many sights to be seen on the way there and back.

Mission Unaccomplished

I've visited quite a few of the missions within reasonable driving distance of San Jose and was looking forward to the one in San Miguel. I was and I was not surprised to find that the mission there was actually closed when I arrived. There wasn't much else around there to look at so I was somewhat disappointed. However, I made the most of it by taking the opportunity to appreciate the exterior, focusing on things that I probably would have overlooked under other circumstances.

Scarface

For some reason, people feel the need to leave their mark on a place, oblivious to the damage that may be done. Sure the cactus can take it, but how would you like to be scarred by someone briefly paying a visit to your place of residence?

Missionary Man

Watering hole

On my way back from an overnight in Templeton, CA I decided to take a more scenic route than just heading back on highway 101. If you've got the time, Highway 1 is worth the detour for the breathtaking views of the Pacific and numerous other natural wonders. I wasn't sure what to expect at Salmon Creek Falls in Los Padres National Forest, Big Sur, CA, which was a stop that had high marks on Google Maps. Well, I was and I wasn't surprised that it was a popular place because it's such an Instagram-worthy spot. Oddly, I found that the majority of folks there to be in the twenty something set, which left me feeling a little geriatric. But hey, at least I made the 0.3 mile trek there and braved the mildly perilous tree branch bridge that had to be traversed on the way. And the view once I arrived was not too shabby. I decided against immersing myself in the water fall itself, but was certainly appreciative of those who did.