FOR KAYAKERS AND GOLFERS
It’s a challenge: He likes to golf; I like to kayak. We’ll occasionally meet in the middle for a moderate hike. What to do? Well, friends suggested Los Osos. Los Where? How have we missed this exit off Highway 1 on the Central Coast?
The Sea Pines Golf Resort, perched at the farthest corner of the Morro Bay harbor and estuary, promises greens at your doorstep and easy paddling nearby. One of us greatly appreciated the second-floor balcony for its view of those deep purple sunsets over the sand dunes; the other found the same balcony memorable for its proximity to the practice green and to Skunk’s Path (a.k.a. hole No. 2).
A wise local sent us for “special Manhattan clam chowder” (yes, yummy) and fish and chips at Dorn’s Original Breakers Cafe, served with plentiful sourdough bread and butter. The hilltop Morro Bay location offers bay views plus a glimpse of my kayaking route. For a sweet treat, we headed down the street for peach turnovers and espresso ice cream at Sun-n-Buns Bakery & Espresso Bar on Embarcadero.
Our front-desk clerk was brimming with ideas for hikes in Los Osos Oaks State Natural Reserve but urged us to check out Montaña de Oro State Park down the road. Bingo! We shared our brisk morning stroll on the bluffs with an occasional jogger and a devoted spouse who steered his companion’s wheelchair to a vista point on the accessible trail.
After marveling at a handful of fearless surfers, I was ready for some calm kayaking inside sanddune-protected Morro Bay and marina. Within minutes of pushing off from Kayak Horizons in Morro Bay, I came across a mother sea otter and her pup. I watched from a distance as she groomed, coddled and scolded her awkward offspring, scooping up the squealing pup when it got too far from her side.
Offer a spouse the Central Coast Golf Trail, an 11-course stayand-play option, and he’ll probably respond affirmatively. He’ll spend hours talking, planning and exploring, but in the end he’ll pass on the smorgasbord of choices and chip, putt, practice and play on the Miles one way from downtown L.A.: 197