A quick year end trip to Pismo Beach

We sadly decided to trade in our failing Nissan Frontier Pro-4X in favor of a new Toyota Tacoma 4x4 Off Road TRD. Unfortunately, Toyota recommends a 500 mile break in period before towing anything.  We had scheduled a camping trip to Joshua Tree (like everyone else apparently-record breaking crowds out there) and canceled that trip too.  Since I'm headed to Death Valley next week I needed to put some quick miles on the new truck.  We all love Pismo and thought a drive up there would do the trick.  It's a four hour drive.

Wait?  Did I say a four hour drive?  In reality was a SIX hour drive sitting in traffic on the way to LA, in LA, in Carpenteria, and in Santa Barbara.  If you're old enough you can remember when a trip up the coast was seldom "trafficky".   California gets worse and worse...  

We arrived at about 4:00 PM.  We immediately stopped at Pancho's Surf Shop where Lilly had her eye on a cool sweatshirt.  It was as busy as I've seen Pismo even during summer.  

After the obligatory shopping we walked out to the Pier and I was able to make a few photos.  The temperature was cool and the sunset mesmerizing. 

My travel companions...

We woke up early the next morning and it only took four hours to get home!  It felt like a miracle.  This has been a joyous week having Lilly and her friend Kennedy with us.  Since the truck is "broken in" next up is Death Valley with Marty and Steve.  

​One last photo of my enchanting daughter. 

Happy New Year to all.