© 2004-2009 “Painting With Light” Photo-Paintings by Paul J. McCloskey - All Rights Reserved Autumn Light, a 16” x 20” photo-painting on watercolor paper, mixed media
more than some petrol and time behind the wheel. The picturesque Santa Rosa Creek Road wends eastward from town through the forest, past orchards, vineyards and historic rancheros. The first five miles are relatively flat and popular with cyclists. Then the switchbacks begin. It’s steep and curvy and deserving of a driver’s respect, but the views make it well worth the time. Paso Robles, 30 miles inland from Cambria via Highway 46, is noted for both water and wine. For more than 150 years, tourists have flocked to its healing hot springs. Today, the Paso Robles Inn is located on the site of a spa built in 1900. Its guests continue to enjoy the rejuvenating waters. The local wine industry boasts an equally impressive heritage. Vineyards were first planted in the region more than a century ago. Now more than 200 wineries make their home in the area. In autumn, the deciduous vines turn the rolling hillsides shades of purple and gold, adding a delicious visual dimension to the region’s many tasting opportunities.
The Edna Valley spills down to the ocean. Pacific breezes and morning fog help cool its grapes. The area also enjoys one of the state’s longest growing seasons and a lovely landscape. Pismo Beach, California’s Clam Capital, sits atop a cliff overlooking the Pacific and ocean fun defines the town. The 60-acre Pismo Beach State Park offers a playground and volleyball courts. A staircase leads to downtown’s Margo Dodd Park. With its quaint gazebo, it’s a perfect perch to relax and take in the amazing view. It forms the terminus of several streets including Ocean Boulevard, and is a great place for a picnic—especially at sunset. Steps at the end of Pier Street access the beach and offer opportunity for snorkelers in the gentle tide pools. At nearby Shell Beach, there are more good times. All along the water, kayakers splash, landboarders and kiteboarders scoot merrily along, and surf and dive shops offer lessons and rent fun by the hour.
Morro Bay takes its name from the rocky volcanic outcropping— morro—that marks its San Luis Obispo, harbor. Don’t even founded in 1772 as one Fall foliage along a country road south of Paso Robles think about scaling the of the original Spanish landmark. It’s the nesting ground of protected Missions, is now the county’s largest town. As home to California Polytechnic State University, it enjoys all Peregrine falcons, a state park and decidedly off the expected college town trappings—including a limits. But many other diversions are at play great performing arts center and a wealth of enter- in this historic fishing village. Book a charter trip tainment. A sophisticated intelligentsia adds an and land your own catch-of-the-day or dine extra measure of art and culture to a place that still sumptuously at a local eatery where seafood honors its ties to the land. The county’s thriving is always fresh. Grab the camera and photograph agricultural sector is showcased year-round with a the harbor. Kayak or boat to the Morro Sand Dunes—home to several varieties of protected fabulous weekly farmer’s market. Don’t miss it. birds. Amble down the beach and do nothing Edna Valley, just south of the town of San Luis except listen to the sounds of a world at peace. n Obispo, adds much to the county’s stellar reputa- Illustrations accompanying this article are by Paul McCloskey, an tion as a wine-growing region. Grapes are the Arroyo Grande graphic artist/photographer. A sampling of his largest crop in an area that still counts walnuts, Central Coast images are on display at that community’s Clark olives and cattle among its products. Wine lovers Center Pavilion now through October. In addition to producing fine planning an exploration of the Paso Robles Amer- art prints using an innovative technique he terms “photo-painting” ican Viticulture Area (AVA) would do well to also McCloskey commits his art to note cards available at the visit here and the neighboring Arroyo Grande San Luis Obispo Airport gift shop. For more about his work Valley. You’ll encounter small mom-and-pop see ArtWatch page 31 or visit the Painting With Light Gallery at operations, chatty winemakers and few crowds. http://web.mac.com/paul_mccloskey/Painting_With_Light_Gallery. skyWest Magazine September/October 2009 united express |
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