It had been probably 30 plus years since I'd driven US 50 that far west. A nice scenic drive.
Kris and Fred's new home is situated just a couple blocks from a very nice Colorado River bike/walking trail that runs all the way from Fruita to Palisades. We took a nice, but chilly 3 and 1/2 mile walk after some catching up.
We headed down town for a Sushi dinner. Downtown GJ is undergoing a bit of a revival. Lots of restaurants and galleries and revamped theaters. The restaurant, Suehiro, was packed as it was Friday night. Good, not great sushi, but it was Grand Junction.
We retired back home and spent the rest of the evening talking about our new locations and lives.
3 degrees on Saturday morning as I set out for Las Vegas. Here's Kris and Fred telling me to hurry up and take the damn picture.
And a foggy view of Grand Junction from the park near their home.
It remained foggy with a bit of snow all the way to the San Rafael Swell west of Green River. Once the highway climbed up and over the swell, blue skies ruled all the way to Vegas.
Once I checked in at the Hilton Grand Vacations, a very nice suite for the price, I headed off via the monorail for Mandalay Bay and the House of Blues to see Santana.
I hung out between the three hotels, Excalibur, the Luxor and Mandalay Bay, which are all connected via food courts and malls till show time. A confusing queue caused me to be at the back of a long line early when the doors opened, but I still snagged a place four rows back center stage in the La Fiesta Zona standing area.
Santana's show was billed as Santana's greatest hits, but was mostly newer material and a couple covers. Still it was a great show and his touring band, including his wife on drums, was tight and accomplished.
An early start from Vegas led me across the Mojave desert to Barstow then west to Bakersfield through the heart of California growing region. Very scenic. Joshua trees and creosote gave way to green hills and almond trees. A HUGE wind farm outside Mojave broke the monotony.
From Bakersfield it was across the valley to the green coastal hills and Paso Robles. A quick 10 minute drive down the hill landed me at Morro Bay, my home base for the next three days and nights.
A cute little town with a landmark volcanic rock, Morro Bay has lots of nice bayside restaurants, beach and hill walks and great access to the wine region around Paso Robles.
The first of a couple sunsets from Morro Bay.
Keep on Boogie Boarding.
More later.
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