The day after a great show, I'm always gliding a couple of inches off the ground. Waking up at Humphrey's was like that. Then add seeing the stage as I walked outside and you've got the only kind of hangover I ever want to have.
Another cool refreshing morning in San Diego. I made my way to breakfast first, just to be sure I didn't miss another chance to enjoy the hotel restaurant. It was lovely sitting next to the marina, and the coffee was good. I enjoyed hearing people at other tables talking about how great Craig was the night before. Today was a free day, and while I couldn't stay at Humphrey's past check-out time, I was in no hurry to leave. I found the exercise room, and this was my view! http://twitpic.com/9i8nzx There were occasional gulls flying by at eye level. When I checked out, all I did was move my car across the street. I had to catch a few more pictures to share. http://twitpic.com/9i8pks http://twitpic.com/9i8oq9
I was headed to Santa Barbara, a nice place to spend some time before making it to San Luis Obispo for Craig's next show. I needed a break from driving, so I took the Santa Monica Boulevard exit off the 101, looking for coffee and maybe lunch. After a couple of turns I found myself on Beverly Boulevard, and there was CBS Television City! I really am not sure how I did this, but now I knew where I was. I drove around the block, parked at Farmer's Market, and walked into a place even my Dad would recognize after 40 years. Many things have changed around it but Farmer's Market is the same and I love it. I wandered until I found a Starbuck's, bought a coffee and had my parking validated. Then I walked into the Grove and found myself touring the locations Craig has made famous, circling past the fountain, stopping on the little bridge there, and soaking it in. Not the afternoon I had planned, but I was very happy to be here. http://twitpic.com/9jhsca
...Waking up at the Lavender Inn in Santa Barbara was wonderful. I was thinking about getting to San Luis Obispo for Craig's show that evening while I enjoyed a light breakfast in this cozy room. http://twitpic.com/9i8urr My next stop was only a couple of hours away, so there was still plenty of time to go exploring. I went shopping for gifts for family back home, drove along State Street, visited the Mission. http://twitpic.com/9i9ek7
Then it was back on the road again, this time to Pismo Beach (your Bugs Bunny references here :)). SLO is only about twenty minutes from there, and I hadn't stayed on the beach in a long time. As I got closer, I came around a curve and there was the ocean again. It literally took my breath away! A great sweeping vista looking up the coastline. With no good place to stop along this stretch of highway, I'm left with only pictures in my mind. When I arrived at my hotel, the first thing I did was step onto the balcony. http://twitpic.com/9i9ewx
I had some time to change clothes and get ready to drive into San Luis Obispo to meet fellow skellies Diane, Sara and Kayla for dinner at the Apple Farm. Sara's Mom was also with us, and we had a great time chatting about Craig and enjoying a delicious assortment of foods from the big menu. We were a three-minute drive from CalPoly Arts' Harmon Hall. This was the best meetup of the trip so far! We were hoping there might be a chance to say hello to Craig after the show.
As we walked towards the entrance to Harmon Hall, we could see Craig's tour bus parked a couple of levels down by the stage door exit of the building. We kept that in mind for later. I met several members of Diane's family. We had become quite a group going to this show! I briefly found myself walking behind Rebecca Tucker and her friend and heard ask the way to backstage. Her hair is looking very nice, quite a bit longer than when I last saw pics of her with Craig in Paris. That was all I had time to notice, as we were making our way downstairs for a pre-show bathroom break. Front row center this time, absolutely not moving from that seat! I know what happens. :D
Craig's music before the show put everyone in the right mood. There were some stage announcements, then Ted Alexandro started his set and got a great reception. (BTW Ted is on tour now. If you can see him, do it! And he's tweeting.) This was such a good audience, a mix of students and locals. We were ready for Craig. He announced himself and strode onstage to cheers and applause. Part of his opening remarks were about the Madonna Inn. I had noticed their pink sign along the highway. He said, "You should be so proud. " If you haven't seen it before, please check out their website. You will be entertained.
Then Craig took us on a wonderful romp that (as usual) seemed to be over very quickly. He was having fun, and when the show was over, he suggested he might stay and chat awhile. Unfortunately, a self-promoting woman blurted out her reddit site and ruined that chance for all of us. I felt badly for Craig; he opened himself up to us and that happened. We walked down to see them at the bus, but Craig and Ted were already on their way. At least we had a very fine skelly meetup. And the show was top-notch! Diane and I stood and talked for awhile; then it was time for us both to go get some rest. Tomorrow, Napa. ♥
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