First Impressions of Morro Bay

Hi! I am working on improving my writing.  That is why I have enrolled in the Matador University Travel Writing Course.  This is one of my assignments where I try to achieve a sense of place (details).  This is different from the travel narratives I am used to post in here.  Feel free to express your toughts about this “type” of post. Thanks.

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I arrived to town when the morning light was still peaking throughout the gray clouds.  The dense fog and deserted streets combined to produce an eerie feeling.

After parking the car in front of a battered motel, I rushed to the other side of the street to take a look at the rock. The massive boulder looked like a compacted ball of corn flakes.  At 581 feet tall and 20 million years old, it stands impressive at one end of the bay.

This wasn’t the appropriate moment to start a photo taking frenzy.  Therefore, I focused my mind on a single goal: finding a savory place for breakfast.

I walked south Morro Bay Boulevard and turned left on Embarcadero Street.  The loud and squeaky sea lions were singing songs while doing their morning stretching rituals.  Fishing boats were stationed on the quiet waters of the bay.  They delivered rockfish, lingcod and salmon in jewel like colors to the markets and restaurants in town.  Clam chowder, BBQ oysters and fish tacos were on the menus of establishments with cool names such as Otter Rock Café, Rocca’s and The Flying Dutchman.

The employees of Giovanni’s were already steaming the Dungeness crabs for lunch.  The sweet smell of golden, sticky cinnamon rolls escaped the walls of Crill’s II.  Strong cups of joe were brewed at the Coffee Pot Café.

I made it to the corner of Front and Beach.  I observed the air moving the kites sold at a store in one of the corners.  Something resembling a torpedo stood on a nearby parking lot. I couldn’t decide where to eat so I turned back.  During my stroll, I noticed fluffy sweaters priced at $20, signs advertising salt water taffy and a giant chessboard on a waterfront park.  Billboards featuring an otter holding an orange sea star seemed to spell the town’s motto: “Relax”.

In search for local recommendations, I entered the visitor’s center.  Four Chihuahuas greeted me before the personnel.  An over-caffeinated lady bombarded me with information about nearby attractions, Montaña de Oro State Park, Black Hill, Hearst Castle, Piedras Blancas, before I was able to mention a word.   I took advantage of one of her pauses to ask recommendations for breakfast. She suggested Frankie and Lola’s Café for super-freaking-crazy-good food.

I think I couldn’t have gotten a better suggestion.  Each piece of my Potato Zucchini Pancake melted in my mouth.  The combination of thinly sliced potatoes and zucchini topped with herbed cream cheese, red bell peppers, soybean pesto and fresh mozzarella was the inventive breakfast I wasn’t expecting to find on a town of 10,000.

With a full belly, I took a better look at the rock. Peregrine falcons and herons used the wind currents to make impressive moves.  Playful otters cuddled in the frigid waters.  A deep breath of salty air made me realize this is my kind of place, a cozy, quiet beach town with a wide number of nearby sightseeing and adventure options.  I am ready to experience more of Morro Bay.

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