Morro bay life nov15

Life Morro

November 2015

Bay

Everything Morro Bay

HSMB & VHV host Vets Day event

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Jeanne Provensen fine art 3 Morro Bay Jewelers 5 Fall colors 6 Monarchs in Morro Bay 8 Community Calendar 10 Cencal Wedding 11 Lost Ride Adventures 12

Honoring Veterans, Morro Bay History and its part in WWII

By ALLYSON OKEN

Tall Ship the Lady Washington

Of Morro Bay Life

Back in Morro Bay Dec. 8 and 9

By ALLYSON OKEN

Photos By Allyson Oken

Of Morro Bay Life

Sails broad and taunt, with flags bellowing on the horizon — a sight not to be missed as the Lady Washington sails into Morro Bay, Dec. 2 as part of Grays Harbor Historical Sea Port Authority’s annual trip south to Morro Bay. GHHSPA’s communications director Joe Follansbee said that this year only the Lady Washington would be sailing to Morro Bay, offering their usual voyage of discovery. The Tall Ship will dock at Sub Sea Tours located at 699 Embarcadero in Morro Bay for its five-day stay before traveling south.

“We offer public sailing excursions and walk-on tours throughout the year,” Follansbee said. “Come learn more about Adventure Sails, Battle Sails, Evening Sails, Passages, and charters as well as our Education Programs for K-12 school groups that offer education sails and dockside programs.”

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More than 20 boats participate in the Lighted Boat Parade each year and it keeps getting more creative and fun every year.

Boats on parade

Sign up now to join in the tradition Dec. 5

By ALLYSON OKEN Of Morro Bay Life

Fishing boats, yachts, skiffs, cutters, sailboats and kayaks — it is time to sign up to light up the night Dec. 5 for the Morro Bay Lighted Boat Parade. According to an L.A. Times article, written Dec. 6, 1990, that year was the 34th annual event making this year the 63rd Annual Morro Bay Lighted Boat Parade.

The deadline to sign up will be at 3 p.m. the day of the parade so make sure to sign up soon to secure a spot in the lineup.

“This year the event is free to join,” said Event Chairman Don Doubledee, explaining that this year Morro Bay Rotary, who host the event, would be footing the bill with hopes to break even this year through boat sponsorships.

This year’s parade partners are the Morro Bay Tourism Bureau and the Morro Bay Chamber of Commerce.

“We are asking that businesses, nonprofits and community members join in supporting this year’s events through sponsorships,” Doubledee said. “We have two options for people to show support. There is a $100 sponsorship that includes an announcement during the event, logo recognition in press releases, print and radio coverage and representation on our

Morro Bay Chamber of Commerce web page and newsletter. The second level is a $250 sponsorship and includes all the free publicity as well as the business name on the T-shirts and sweatshirts for sale that night.”

Each year about 20 to 30 boats get decked out in lights and parade down the Embarcadero to Colman Park in the harbor area. Like many ocean and bayside cities, the city of Morro Bay has made this even a longstanding tradition that many travel to see each year.

For those who would like to participate this year there are some great locations to get decorations and if you don’t have access to a boat, Doubledee shared some great options. To get decorations stop by Verges Marine Supplies, Minors Ace Hardware store or even Rite Aid to find all the fun lights needed to make a boat shine.

“For those that may want to join the parade but don’t have a boat, to decorate I recommend they contact Lost Isle, Red Anchor Charters, contact Jim Sanders at 234-5749 or talk to Lisa at Verges Marine Supplies,” Doubledee said. “It is easy to join the parade and we hope to see many newcomers this year.”

To sign up for a sponsorship, join the parade and learn more about this great Morro Bay tradition, visit morrobayboatparade.com.

Tri by the bay

4th destination triathlon in Morro Bay Nov. 8

By ALLYSON OKEN

PRSrt std U.s. postage paid Permit no. 19 PASO ROBLES, CA

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******EcrWsseddm****** Postal Customer MORRO BAY, CA 93442

Photos Contributed by All Out Events

Stand-up paddleboards are welcome to join, as are kayaks and now, aquabikes. All can be supplemented for those who are not strong swimmers at the Morro Bay Triathlon.

The experience pushes the limits of an athlete, but at the same time provides them with a landscape that inspires them to go faster, ride harder and swim like they have never swam before just to see the beauty of the next leg of the race. Morro Bay’s destination triathlon provides this and more, through hosts at All Out Events, kicking off the race at 6 a.m. Nov. 8. Spectators are welcome to come cheer racers on as well as watch this family and dog-friendly event.

Triathlon Director Kaori Funahashi said that this year there would be an addition to the race route. The addition will take racers along one of the most picturesque pedestrian paths in Morro Bay and over the new footbridge.

“We have planned to incorporate the new pedestrian bridge into the race route,” Funahashi said. “This was such a great project and addition to Colman Park. We are very excited to be able to use it and have that amazing view of the rock for our athletes to enjoy.”

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Monthly publication dedicated to covering everything in Morro Bay, CA.

Of Morro Bay Life

Veterans Day is not just a day to give thanks, but to look back at history.

With that in mind the Historical Society of Morro Bay and Veterans Helping Veterans are joining forces to offer a community luncheon for area veterans, families and the public from noon to 2 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 8, at the Veterans Memorial Building, 209 Surf St., Morro Bay. The event will include a welcome

by HSMB President Linda Estes, who will share information about the Central Coast Veteran’s Memorial Museum’s oral history project followed by Roger Castle who will share Morro Bay’s military history.

There will also be a spaghetti lunch sponsored and prepared by Morro Bay Senior Citizens Inc., a chance to see historic photos and memorabilia, as well as share stories from this important chapter of Morro Bay’s history. Castle said that the event is free to attend, but donations are gratefully encouraged.

They are also asking that attendees RSVP before Tuesday, Nov. 3 by calling 399-2772.

“We are happy to welcome as cosponsor Veteran’s Helping Veterans In Need,” Castle said. “They are a nonprofit that donate food, clothing, and household furnishing for returning veterans and their families.”

Castle went on to explain that Morro Bay has a rich history as a location where a military base was built during World War II. He said the quiet little fishing village became home base to many U.S. troops and was designated the U.S. Naval Amphibious Training Base. On base the Navy provided a training area where recruits learned techniques used to storm the beaches of Normandy and Spain.

2 - Morro Bay Life - November 2015

Tall Ships

Continued from page 1

Ticket pricing ranges from about $30 to $80 depending on chosen activity. To join the Battle Sail the cost will be $39-$75; for Adventure Sails the cost will be $39-$47; for Evening Sails the cost will be $35$45 and for Tours of the ship a donation is welcome.

The Adventure Sails are more coveted and require a ticket to participate. Since they sell out fast, the sooner booked the better. This particular activity offers a family-oriented experience with programming designed to get passengers involved in operating the vessel. Learn to raise a sail, learn a sea shanty and take a turn at the helm.

“Our mission includes acting as a tall ship ambassador for the communities of Grays Harbor, Washington, our homeport,” Follansbee said. “We’ve visited ports as far south as San Diego and as far North as Skagway, Alaska. Our mission also includes delivering hands-on living history programs to young people and adults wherever we can, and we have a strong fan base in Morro Bay.” These ships travel 10 months of the year, visiting ports in Washington, Oregon, California, and sometimes British Columbia. Lady Washington is an allwooden ship that has to be expertly cared for, making sure she is in top condition wherever she is bound. That means continuous maintenance to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone.

This Tall Ship made her first appearance in Morro Bay in the 1990’s and has made this port a regular stop off on the yearly tour

Photos By Allyson Oken

Each year since the 1990s the Lady Washington and other Tall Ships have been traveling to Morro Bay in December. This year they will stop off Dec. 2 and set sail Dec. 7.

South from Washington.

GHHSPA are charged with preserving maritime traditions and teaching young people about the early history of their

Triathalon

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Morro Bay Life made every effort to maintain the accuracy of information presented in this publication, but assumes no responsibility for errors, changes or omissions. Morro Bay Life is a division of the News Media Corporation.

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country, especially the role of trade. They about these Tall Ships. To join in on this do this aboard a piece of history that fun and once in a lifetime experience visit inflames the imagination and ensnares historicalseaport.org. the spirit, inspiring visitors to learn more

Continued from page 1

This is the fourth year that All Out Events has hosted the Triathlon. The group was founded by Cal Poly graduates, Yishai and Kristin Horowitz, who created the company to be specialize in the planning and production of outdoor human-powered events, including endurance adventures, mountain bike races and triathlons.

Each year the group chooses a partner charity to benefit from the money raised through registration. This year the beneficiary will be Water Run, a nonprofit organization on a mission to provide clean drinking water, sanitation and hygiene education to those in need around the world.

“I have worked with groups like Water Run in the past and as a group we see great value in the work they do,” Funahashi said. “We are very happy to have them as out partner charity for the first time.”

This is truly an All Out Event that requires more than just the basic standard of health and wellness to compete and is meant to challenge and test the very fiber of a persons being. In a triathlon you start out with a swim, then you move on to the bike ride and then the run.

At the Morro Bay Triathlon there are some other options like using a stand-up paddleboard (SUP) or kayak for the water portion of the race as well as being able to use an aquabike. Funahashi said that the aquabike is the newest addition to the Triathlon and will allow for more people to participate safely.

“Morro Bay Triathlon starts with the swim, kayak or SUP in a protected bay in clear, cool water where participants dive into a well-marked buoy course for the Olympic or Sprint race,” Funahashi said. “Then they move on to the bike portion of the tri where riders cruise through the quaint coastal towns of Morro Bay and Cayucos. Then the run is on asphalt, hard packed soil, boardwalk, and a hard packed sand loop ending with a strong finish at the front of The Rock.”

Anyone that is up for the ultimate test of endurance with a scenic view should sign up for the Morro Bay Triathlon. It not only supports a great nonprofit it offers the reward of finishing and a great party at the end.

There will be beer, live music, food, vendors, triathlon merchandise and great company. For more information, contact Kaori Funahashi at All Out Events by calling (310) 347-5692, e-mail kaori@all-outevents.com, or visit www.morrobaytri.com.

EVENT SCHEDULE Saturday, Nov 7 Packet Pick-Up: COLEMAN PARK, MORRO BAY 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. Transition Swim clinic meet at transition area, hosted by FINIS 4:00 p.m. to 8 p.m. Packet Pickup (packets are not mailed) 6:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. Morro Bay Triathlon Q&A session Host: Race Director, Kaori Funahashi

Sunday, Nov. 8 Event Day: Coleman Park – Morro Bay – Start, finish and transition areas are all located here.

6 a.m. Transition opens, day of registration opens. Arrive early to insure parking and ample time to set up your tri gear.

7:45 a.m. Transition closes

7:45 a.m. Pre­-Event Briefing 8 a.m. WAVE 1 Olympic + Olympic Aquabike (Male) *YELLOW cap 8:05 a.m. WAVE 2 Olympic (Male) *GREEN cap 8:10 a.m. WAVE 3 Olympic + Olympic Aquabike (Female and Relays) *PINK cap 8:15 a.m. WAVE 4 Olympic (Kayak & SUP) 8:20 a.m. WAVE 5 Sprint (Kayak & SUP) 8:25 a.m. WAVE 6 Sprint + Sprint Aquabike (Male) *BLACK cap 8:30 a.m. WAVE 7 Sprint (Male) *YELLOW cap 8:35 a.m. WAVE 8 Sprint + Sprint Aquabike (Female) *PINK cap 8:40 a.m. WAVE 9 Sprint (Female and Relays) *GREEN cap 11:30 a.m. Awards (next to race finish)

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Jeanne Provensen fine art

On display at Top Dog Morro Bay all November

Photos by Allyson Oken

Boats by the bay are just one of many inspirations for artists.

By ALLYSON OKEN Of Morro Bay Life

Aristotle said, “Art not only imitates nature, but also completes its deficiencies.”

For artist Jeanne Provensen to put brush to canvas, adding to the imagery of a scape to share her vision of the world is a joy.

Sharing her art with Morro Bay on the walls of the Top Dog Coffee Shop for the month of November.

Provensen has a long history as an artist and art enthusiast. She was born and grew up in Los Angeles where she attended the Arts Center College of Design Pasadena and for years worked as a freelance graphic artist for NBC, CBS and MCA. Two years ago she found herself in Morro Bay and made it her home.

“I love Morro Bay, the ocean and my muse is really the sea,” Provensen said.

“I have never lived away from a body of water. It really inspires me. I am a member of Art Center Morro Bay and they have their biannual art in the park and I help run these events and created the logo for the tote bag this year. I am also participating in the surfboard art festival and will have a large board on display at Top Dog as well. ” Provensen works in multiple mediums from acrylic to oil, sketch to photography, but prefers to create most of her work using watercolors. She explained that the fluid like quality of the paint captures the color, texture and movement of the water in the

seascapes she enjoys creating.

“I go out and take a lot of different references from photographs to sketches and research species of birds and ocean creatures to capture them accurately,” she said. “ I love to work in watercolor because of the natural way it captures the water. I like to create an atmosphere that makes you feel like you are at the beach. I like to do glazing with many layers of washed out color in watercolor. It looks like just a few layers when it is done, but actually it is many layers and shades of pigment that develop the tone and change it into another color. This allows me to create that fluid form to the water.”

There is also a touch of whimsy to her work. Provensen uses imagery from her travels and walks along the coast as a backdrop for underwater scenes.

Then using her imagination will create a foreground that captures the mythology of the ocean, from a scene of mermaids to fish varieties, sea birds and other colorful ocean creatures.

In her spare time Provensen paints mailboxes, creates logos for businesses and nonprofits and enjoys spending time with her muse, the ocean. To learn more about the Photos by Allyson Oken artist, commission a painting or purchase Hanging her art at the Top Dog coffee shop, on display for the month of November, is one of her works, visit provensendesign. Morro Bay artist Jeanne Provensen. com or call 772-7205.

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Vets

Continued from page 1

Contributed By Historical Society of Morro Bay

ABOVE: The U.S. Naval Amphibious Training Base dominated Morro Bay’s waterfront during the 1940s. It was headquartered where the power plant stands today. (Neil Kline photo) LEFT: This photo from the 1940s shows a bridge built across Morro Bay during World War II to get military men and equipment out to the sand spit for training. The bridge was dismantled after the war so vessels could once again freely access the southern part of the bay. (Historical Society of Morro Bay collection)

“There were recruits from nearly every branch of the military on our beaches in 1941,” Castle said. “They would storm the beaches of Estero Bay under the simulated resistance of ‘enemy’ troops. The base had a significant impact on the development of our city today. The Navy actually built piers, bridges were erected and through our research we are continually discovering that this base had a large impact on the landscape of Morro Bay today.”

The base was decommissioned on Oct. 30, 1945 and much of the property was sold to Pacific Gas and Electric, which began to construct the power plant in 1953. Much of the infrastructure that existed has been demolished over the years with just a few structures remaining. Castle said that it was the construction of the power plant and the docking space for commercial fishing that remained and shaped the Morro Bay so many know and love today.

There is still a great deal of history to uncover with regard to Morro Bay and it’s part in WWII. Anyone who has information to share is asked to contact the Historical Society of Morro Bay at MorroBayHistorical@gmail. com or by calling 399-2772 as soon as possible. Those wishing to attend can RSVP by calling 399-2772 as well.

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Morro Bay Life - November 2015 - 5

Grand opening

Morro Bay Jewelers restoration, fabrication and sales

Photos By Allyson Oken

New owner Pamela Arsenault is very excited to be able to provide, create and repair jewelry through Morro Bay Jewelers.

By ALLYSON OKEN Of Morro Bay Life

Every jewel tells a story about the land, its typography and its geologic make up while the jewelry it was crafted into tells the story of the people who owned it. For Pamela Arsenault, new owner of Morro Bay Jewelers, this is the joy of the job and after almost 30 years as a jewelry enthusiast she owns her own story, hosting a grand opening Saturday, Nov. 14 from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Morro Bay Jewelers is a full-service shop with full-time jeweler Cherie Danielle, ready to repair and fabricate anything a customer desires, as well as a Matt Roberson, who is working to become a gem and mineral expert. He chooses many of the stones used in the pieces fabricated in house along side Arsenault.

“I have always loved jewelry, the way a gem sparkles, the different cuts, styles, it is really a lot of fun for me to do this type of work,” she said. “We go to gem shows and choose from a large variety of cuts, and stones. The best show in my opinion is the Las Vegas gem show there are thousands of dealers with some of the best materials to choose from.”

Over the years Arsenault has gone from avid jewelry buyer to working in the field. She started out working back east in jewelry and worked for pervious owner Jason Cordero for four years at this location when it was called Traditional Jewelers,

first opened in 1979. There she learned all about the business before taking it over one year ago. Now she has refurbished the shop and taken on a new team to create, refurbish and fabricate all types of jewelry.

“The most enjoyable aspect of the job is when a person come in with a family heirloom,” Arsenault said. “They will tell me all about the generations it had been passed down through and how much they would like to have it restored to wear or pass on. It is a treasure and we are in the business of making treasures that last.”

The store is an inviting environment and every employee is like family and even Arsenault’s grandson Devon Bethel designs the window displays at her store. She said that he is already asking about gems and is learning all about the business.

“We really wanted to create a space that was light, inviting and displayed our collection allowing it to shine above any décor,” she said. “We have a large variety of price ranges, styles, cuts and even rare minerals and gems to choose from. My favorite cut at the moment is the Ceylon because of the shine it displays and the multi tonal aspects it gives to the gem.”

To learn more about Morro Bay Jewelers, stop by the shop, located at 898 Main Street in Morro Bay or call 772-1878. The store is open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. an all are welcome to attend the grand opening, Nov. 14.

Photos By Allyson Oken

At Morro Bay Jewelers they boast a large collection of pearls with all varieties to choose from.

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6 - Morro Bay Life - November 2015

Elusive fall color can be found

By RUTH ANN ANGUS For Morro Bay Life

Many of us living here on the Central Coast came from states in the northeast and upper mid-west where there are forests of deciduous trees that once a year put on a colorful show of red, orange and yellow leaves during the months of September and October. By November the show is over, leaves are gone, and snow can be blanketing the ground. Not so here in Morro Bay. Those yearning for displays like that have to travel to the Sierra Nevada Mountain range and beyond. But if you keep your eyes open you may find out that there is fall color here. You just have to search for it.

For starters don’t waste your time looking for much color until at least November.

While our northern friends are shoveling we are still enjoying mild weather.

However, if you look around carefully you may notice that the willow trees along creeks like Chorro and Los Osos Creeks have turned yellow. They might even have lost a considerable amount of their long narrow leaves. The color they show us is muted and soft and probably because of this, you might not realize that there is any difference with them from their lush days in spring and summer.

Take a walk in Sweet Springs Nature Reserve and don’t look up, look down.

All the undergrowth beneath the trees has turned color, and you may see some brilliant red on a three-leaved plant that you should not touch. It’s poison oak.

A walk in Morro Bay neighborhoods can reveal some fall color. Many people have planted shrubs and trees that fade to shades of yellow and orange. And there are bushes with bright orange berries now that Cedar Waxwing birds love to gorge on.

But for true Morro Bay fall color you have to go to the estuary. A nondescript and possibly unspectacular but important plant grows there – it is pickleweed. This plant belongs to the Goosefoot family that includes sugar beets and spinach. The name comes from its pickle-like appearance of its stem segments and salty taste. Each change of season is clearly defined by this tough, leafless plant. It is a halophyte found in estuaries and bays where water is a combination of fresh and salty. The Morro Bay estuary has just that perfect combination.

In spring a drive along State Park Road and South Bay Boulevard will show you a carpet of soft light green and the pickleweed begins a new season of growth. As the season progresses into the summer, the color deepens into a lush darker green and seems to stay that way for a long time. But

Photos by Ruth Ann Angus

Pickleweed in the Morro Bay estuary showing bright red segments.

suddenly one day you see it, a vast expanse of bright red. The pickleweed has taken on its fall color and somewhat like the trees in those eastern areas, it reaches a peak when the color is at its most intense and then the segment falls off. New green growth begins with the winter rains.

So take a word of advice, don’t miss it, because it comes on late and doesn’t last long. Be sure to go out to the estuary and watch for our turn of the season and celebrate Morro Bay’s special fall color display of the lowly pickleweed.

Thanks to the Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach, CA. for some of the facts about pickleweed.

Photos by Ruth Ann Angus

Berry bush in Sweet Springs showing fall colors.

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Morro Bay Life - November 2015 - 7

Were turkeys at the first Thanksgiving?

By RUTH ANN ANGUS

warriors set off to take up the challenge. What they found were settlers out on a hunting trip to capture game birds to bring to a harvest Here we are again with Thanksgiving festival. Naturally, that eased their minds coming up on the Nov. 26. Our thoughts and so they too began hunting and joined the naturally turn to all the fine foods we pilgrims for the feasting. And they brought Photos Ruth Ann Angus will be consuming – sweet potatoes with with them five deer for all to consume. It is LEFT: Wild turkeys ranging through Morro Bay golf Course. marshmallows, green beans, baked rolls, recorded that they roasted the deer and other ABOVE: Wild turkey foraging in brush by side of the road. stuffing, and, of course, turkey. Did the meats along with shellfish and corn and they pilgrims and the Indians eat turkey? For that ate together, sang, danced and played ball matter, was the meal we celebrate as the games for three days. “first” thanksgiving in the new world really So where was the turkey? the first? Seems the concept of having a Some historians say that the settlers must thanksgiving celebration once a year began have shot some kind of game birds, such as way before 1621. geese, swans, and ducks. Perhaps turkey was There are some records of thanksgiving one of them since the birds were abundant celebrations occurring in Newfoundland in there. But in actuality there is no concrete 1578 by Europeans who settled there and record of turkey being served at the first some think the Spaniards must have held a thanksgiving. As a matter of fact all of what church service in Florida even earlier. Then we consume on our Thanksgiving Day was certain historians claim that the British not available in 1621.

If you’re like many travelers, you get to reach Los Angeles as quickly and efSo, what? No sweet potato? Nope. Not Popham Colony in Maine had a thanksgiving a little nervous when your airplane goes ficiently as possible. Consequently, you service there in 1607 and Jamestown sweet or white, mashed or roasted, there were through some turbulence. And if you’re wouldn’t scrap the idea of flying and colonists also held one that year and again in no potatoes. like a lot of investors, you may get some- head to the West Coast on foot. When What about green beans? Well, the pilgrims 1610. So it does appear that British colonists what jumpy when the financial markets you invest, you will also encounter had thanksgiving services prior to the popular harvested what they had grown and most are volatile.

Yet flight turbulence prob- events, such as market downturns, that likely some of the onions, spinach, cabbage, event we all learned about in history class. ably isn’t as scary as it seems, and the you feel may be slowing you down in Furthermore, Native Americans (we called carrots, lettuce, peas and yes, beans graced same may be true for market volatility your progress toward your long-term them Indians then) often held celebrations to their plates. They also had fruits such as — if you know how to respond. objectives, such as a comfortable reinsure a good harvest. At these events they blueberries, gooseberries, raspberries, plums, Let’s look at some positive responses tirement. But if your objectives haven’t would hold rituals and dances and all this grapes, and cranberries. But they didn’t make to market movements: changed, neither should your “transporoccurred long before any Europeans came to cranberry sauce like we do.

• Don’t overreact to turbulence. tation method” of reaching them. In oththe New World.

Maybe the best part of our Thanksgiving Turbulence happens on most fl ights, er words, don’t abandon your long-term Perhaps it doesn’t matter what group feast is the pumpkin pie. Did the pilgrims but passengers are well aware that they strategy in favor of quick fixes, such as was first, modern day man latched onto the make pumpkin pie? Well both settlers and the can’t “bail out” at 30,000 feet, so they chasing after “hot” stocks that may not uplifting story of how the Indians living near Wampanoag tribe customarily ate pumpkin generally don’t panic.

As an investor, be suitable for your needs. the Plymouth Plantation in Massachusetts and squash, but there was no butter or wheat you also need to avoid panicky behavior • Maintain perspective on your came to the aid of the settlers, bringing them flour available, so the settlers would not have — by not taking a “time out” from in“fl ight path.” When you’ve flown, you’ve food to celebrate what for them was actually been able to make pie crust. And they had vesting.

Over a period of decades, if you probably observed (perhaps with some a harvest festival that lasted three days. But is not yet built ovens for baking, however, there were to miss just a handful of the marenvy) some of your fellow passengers that story really true? Maybe not. Or at least are some accounts of them hollowing out the ket’s best-performing days, your returns sleeping through periods of turbulence. not quite the way it has been told to us. pumpkins and filling them with milk, honey could be dramatically reduced.

And the In the investment world, these types of Yes, Native Americans did come to the and spices and making custard that they best days often follow some of the worst. people are the ideal long-term invesPlymouth Colony at harvest time. The roasted whole in the hot ashes of a fire.

So if you’re not invested in the market, tors — they know that turbulence, in the Wampanoag tribe had an agreement with the That’s the story as it goes folks and we you could miss out on the beginning of form of market fl uctuations, is normal, settlers to protect each other and come to aid should give thanks to the pilgrims and a new rally, which is typically when the because they’ve experienced it many whatever group might be under attack. So it the Native Americans while we enjoy our biggest gains occur. times before. Their perspective isn’t on was that one day when tribe members heard Thanksgiving dinner this year.

• Balance your “cargo.”

The ground short-term events, such as volatility, but gunshots all about they were concerned. They God bless the Internet where we can crew properly positions an airplane’s rather on the voyage toward their “final wondered if the pilgrims were coming to war research all sorts of things! cargo to maintain the plane’s center of destination” — i.e., the achievement of with them. So a group of 90 Wampanoag gravity and reduce the effects of turbu- their long-term goals. lence. When you invest, you also need to So when you fly, fasten your seatbelt achieve balance by owning a variety of and relax. And when you invest, don’t vehicles, including stocks, bonds, gov- overreact to short-term events. By folernment securities and certificates of de- lowing these basic guidelines, you will posit. You’ll want your investment mix be a calmer traveler and a better investor. to reflect your risk tolerance, goals and time horizon. While this type of diversiThis article was written by Edward fication can’t guarantee profits or protect Jones for use by your local Edward against loss, it can reduce the effects of Jones Financial Advisor. “turbulence” — that is, market volatiliEdward Jones, its employees and fity — on your portfolio. Over time, your nancial advisors are not estate planners “cargo” (your investments) may shift, and cannot provide tax or legal advice. becoming too heavy in stocks or bonds relative to your objectives. ConsequentJennifer Redman, ly, you’ll need to periodically rebalance Financial Advisor your portfolio to ensure it’s meeting Edward Jones your needs.

1085 Kennedy Way • Match your “transportation meth- Morro Bay, CA 93442 Better hearing with a human touch od” with your goals. If you are flying from New York to Los Angeles, you Phone (805) 772-7938 1052 Main Street, Suite B, Morro Bay, CA 93442 may experience delays or some changes jennifer.redman@edwardjones.com. in the flight plan — but your goal is still For Morro Bay Life

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8 - Morro Bay Life - November 2015

Monarchs come back to Morro Bay

By RUTH ANN ANGUS For Morro Bay Life

You may have noticed them flitting about in your garden. Their bright orange and black colors are hard to miss. Every fall and winter we are blessed to have monarch butterflies migrate to the Central Coast. Thousands of them spend time at the Pismo Butterfly Grove, but you can see monarchs right here in Morro Bay too. There may not be thousands but many do light upon the trees in the campground of Morro Bay State Park. You can take a nice walk through there to find them.

There are numerous kinds of butterflies and interest in butterfly watching as a hobby is growing just like bird watching did. The fun of it is trying to identify the many kinds.

At the autumnal equinox I happened to take notice of a new butterfly visiting some purple blooms in my garden. All summer long small white ones were flying hither and thither in the garden, so seeing this larger one caught my interest. Right away I thought it was the first monarch to show up in my neighborhood this season thanks to its black and orange coloring. As the butterfly flitted from blossom to blossom I could better see some of its markings and I saw that they were different. Right away I knew it was not my first monarch. This butterfly was a painted lady that is a common visitor here.

Monarch butterflies are struggling. Like many other species they have lost habitat throughout their summer and winter ranges. The plant they utilize most is milkweed where they lay their eggs. The larvae or caterpillar feed exclusively on this plant.

Monarchs go through four different generations. The final generation makes the astounding migration from Canada to Mexico and back. Some, like our monarchs, travel to a coastal route and are found in the Santa Cruz area, Pismo Beach, and Morro Bay. They spend winter months in clusters on trees during chilly nights and begin to fly around as the sun warms them. In February or March they find a mate and start to migrate north and east of the coast to find a place to lay their eggs and produce the first generation.

This starts the process of the four stages of their lives, the egg, the larvae (caterpillar), the pupa (chrysalis) and the adult butterfly. The monarchs that wintered here then mate and lay eggs and die. The new generation continues on the northward journey, mating and laying eggs along the way. Three more generations occur and each continues on the flight to their summer grounds again mating, laying eggs, and dying until the fourth generation is born. That is the group that makes the long trip south back to us.

There is an effort locally to plant milkweed with people setting up small gardens of milkweed. However, the jury is out as to whether it is a good idea to encourage monarchs that winter here to mate and lay eggs and start the generation process in this their winter grounds. A study is being done at Cal-Poly University to try and determine an answer.

With the monarch population in the United States dropping by 90 percent monarchs may be named as a threatened species. Encouraging gardeners and environmentalists in more northern and mid-west states along the migration path to start planting milkweed may be a better method to help these beautiful flyers and assure us of their return to the Central Coast.

For more information see monarchalert.calpoly.edu/ .

On Aug August 29th, The City approved the relocation of the Visitor’s Center to occupy relocatio the City City’s building on 695 Harbor Street, which w will be managed by the Morro Bay Ch Chamber of Commerce.The Visitor Center will occupy the former lobby of the Chamber Cha and will now be used as our Vis Visitor’s Center. The Chamber of Comme Commerce will occupy Suites A and B. The mov move happened on October 1st. Please to come by and see the don’t hesitate h wonderful changes! Stay tuned for details wonderf of an up upcoming open house in December!

Congratulations to Business of the Month: MB Tourism Bureau The Morro Bay Tourism Bureau (MBTB) is honored to be chosen as Business of the Month with the Morro Bay Chamber of Commerce. It is a sincere pleasure to work and partner with the organization along with the City of Morro Bay and our dynamic lodging and business community to create positive customer experiences and economic impact for Morro Bay. Since its inception, MBTB strives to bring positive awareness to Morro Bay as a destination through dynamic marketing campaigns promoting events, attractions, lodging and other businesses, hosting local journalists and writers from around the globe, creating various business opportunities for lodging and sales tax businesses and organizations, plus recently offering free services for individuals and groups planning events, meetings and competitions in Morro Bay. Come visit our office at 850 Shasta Avenue, Monday-Friday between 8am-4:30pm or visit our website at www.MorroBay.org.

Photos by Ruth Ann Angus

Monarch butterflies on eucalyptus tree trunk.

Chamber Mixer/Grand Opening: Join us at Tiny Mike’s Barber Shop! 2300 North Main Street, Morro Bay Thursday, November 19th 5:30 to 7:30. 772-8969. Visit tinymikesbarbershop.com

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Save the Date:

Next Forum will be December 17th with a very dynamic speaker – To be announced. Don’t miss this opportunity to get informed on the latest business strategies! Inn at Morro Bay, 7:30 a.m.

Donations wanted: The Chamber of Commerce would like to offer you the opportunity to show case your business at our Annual Installation Dinner by donating items or a gift certificate for services. The Dinner will be held on Friday, January 8th, 2016. The monies raised by auctioning off the items at the event are used to provide scholarships to 2 Morro Bay High School students and to assist the Chamber of Commerce in its mission to support, educate, and advocate for the Chamber’s members. You can drop your items by our office at 695 Harbor St. or we will be more than happy to come by and pick them up from you. Please contact Karen Croley at Karen@morrochamber.org or call 772-4467.

We Thank Our Renewing Members We Thank Our New Members

Golden China Central Coast Women for Fisheries Monica King, RE Broker Cathy Novak Jan Goldman Farmer’s Kites, Surreys, and More Morro Bay Harbor Festival

Music Makers DJ Service of the Central Coast Owner Michelle and John Ortiz have a mobile DJ service available for outdoor events, weddings, parties and school events. They joined the chamber for networking opportunities. Visit their website at www. musicmakersdjservice.net. Phone (805) 709- 6649.

We appreciate your loyalty and support of the Morro Bay Chamber of Commerce!

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Morro Bay Life - November 2015 - 9

Morro Bay in bloom

SUBMITTED

For Morro Bay Life

Morro Bay was recognized by America in Bloom for its civic beautification efforts with first-place national honors at that organization’s annual conference Sept. 24-26.

Morro Bay was evaluated, along with 39 other cities, on its environmental efforts, urban forestry program, heritage preservation, landscaped areas, floral displays and its overall cleanliness and tidiness. Winning its population category entitles Morro Bay to compete internationally against thousands of cities that participate in the Communities in Bloom program.

“It’s a wonderful feeling to be honored for work Morro Bay residents enjoy doing,” said Walter Heath, president of Morro Bay in Bloom. “This award recognizes the efforts of all volunteer groups in our city.”

America in Bloom “envisions communities across the country as welcoming and vibrant places to live, work and play,” according to the vision statement on its website. Other award-winning cities in their respective population categories in the 2015 competition included Lexington, Kentucky, Saratoga, California, Holliston, Massachusetts and Fairhope, Alabama.

Grandma’s Frozen Yogurt & Waffle Shop at “The Gathering Place” There’s something besides golf--

Grandma’s Frozen Yogurt!

We love enjoying the little pleasures in life.

Warm Belgian Breakfast & Dessert Waffles with a side of frozen yogurt!

307 Morro Bay Blvd., Morro Bay • (805) 704-YUMM (9866)

To be included in the Community Calendar please contact Allyson Oken at aoken@atascaderonews.com

10 - Morro Bay Life - November 2015

ONGOING EVENTS

Listening to Music Series Join educator Ron Tarica for 20th - 21st Century Composers & American Composers from 1750 to today. Kicking off classes at 1001 Kennedy Way from 1 to 4 p.m. on Tuesdays. The first slot is slated for Aug. 25-Sept. 29 and the second section will be hosted from Oct. 13 to Nov. 17. The cost is $55 for 6 weeks, $55 with a $5 discount to residence of Morro Bay and 50 percent off for additional family members. To register, visit morro-bay.ca.us.

Community Calendar

Farmers Market The Morro Bay weekly Saturday farmers market is open to the public beginning at 3 to 6 p.m.

There will be all kinds of wonderful artisan wares and produce for purchase. The event is located in downtown Morro Bay at Main and Harbor Street.

For more information, or to become a vendor call 772-4467.

Troupe Benat Serat Belly Dance Classes Learn to move with rhythm, grace, and expression.

Beginners: Tuesdays Intermediates & Performance Group: Thursdays 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. $20 a month for each class or $7 a drop-in for each class Morro Bay Residents Receive a $5 discount on the Monthly Fee! Located at Morro Bay Community Center, 1001 Kennedy Way.

Farmers Market 2 The Morro Bay weekly Thursday farmers market is open to the public beginning at 3 to 5 p.m.

There will be all kinds of wonderful artisan wares and produce for purchase. The event is located at Spencer’s Market, located at 2650 Main Street in Morro Bay. For more information, or to become a vendor call 772-8103.

Cuesta Aikido Aikido redirects an attack into a take-down or throw to neutralize it without injury to the attacker. It provides a principled approach to protect oneself that provides physically healthy activity and skill the benefit normal daily living. Tuesdays and Thursdays 5:15 to 6:45 p.m. $37a month, Morro Bay residents receive a $5 discount or $7 a class drop-ins. Located at Morro Bay Community Center, 1001 Kennedy Way.

Live Music Thursdays at STAX Come listen to cool music at STAX with a glass of wine and tasty treats from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

For more information, to book a band and see what is happening for the month of events visit, staxwine.com or e-mail staxwine@yahoo.com.

Spooner Ranch House Tour Days The Central Coast State Parks Association and their Executive Director, Mary Golden have raised over $200,000 to fund restoration of the historic Spooner Ranch House. Now open, Thursday to Sunday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. with plans for expansion. To learn more and to set up a private event, make a donation and meet with a docent contact Mary Golden at, mgolden@ccspa.info or visit, ccspa.info.

Art Classes with Manseau Enjoy Diana Manseau at her Monday Acrylics class and Thursday, Mixed-Media Drawing class, through Morro Bay Recreation and Parks Department. Acrylics put brush to paper from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. every Monday and all can mix-up their media from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. every Thursday.

All for the cost of $45 per month with $5 discounts offered to Morro Bay residents and for drop-ins the cost is $12 per class. To sign up for classes in advance and to see a full list of options for adult education and youth programing, visit morrobay.ca.us or stop by MBRPD, located at 1001 Kennedy Way. For inquiries call Heather SalyerFrith 772-6278.

The Morro Bay Senior Citizens, Inc. The Morro Bay Senior Citizens, Inc. is looking for a few new volunteers! If you like assisting people, the Morro Bay Senior Center may be the perfect location to volunteer! Volunteers at the Morro Bay Senior Center meet and greet people daily, provide information regarding various senior services within our community, checkout medical equipment, and more! It is a fun and friendly atmosphere, a great place to spend a few hours once a week. Interested volunteers should contact the Senior Center at 772-4421.

Free Dance at Chessboard Morro Bay Bellydance troupe Benat Serat invites you to join them for a free family- friendly dance performance at the Giant Chessboard on the Embarcadero. This 45-minute show will begin at 2 pm. It will feature original dances set to current music as well as traditional Middle Eastern rhythms. Beginning Belly dance classes are Tuesdays at 7 pm through the Morro Bay Community Center, and Sundays at Wilwand Tea Co. & Healing Arts upstairs studio in Atascadero.

To learn more visit benatserat.wordpress.com Morro Bay Embarcadero Art Walk On the second Friday of every month from 5 to 8 p.m. Art Galleries and Shops located in the Marina Square Complex on the waterfront side of the Embarcadero. Spend an enjoyable evening along the waterfront free! Converse with many talented local artists about their fine art, jewelry, crafts and more! Have a work of art, signed by the artist! Listen to local guitarist, Mike Swanberg.

Enjoy refreshments provided by participating galleries and shops. Marina Square Complex, 601 Embarcadero, Morro Bay, CA 93442 contact Marina Square Complex 772-1068.

Zumba Come laugh and move to the Cha-Cha and Salsa, Cumbia and Soca, Merengue and Reggaeton, and SO MANY MOVE world rhythms. Mondays & Wednesday 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.$5 a class drop-in.

Located at Morro Bay Community Center, 1001 Kennedy Way. Bellfit® Bellyfit® combines moves and music from Bhangra, Bollywood, and African and Belly Dance with Pilates and Yoga to give participants an Fusion Fitness experiences that leaves them feeling energized and focused, all within 1-hour.

Tuesdays and Thursdays 9:00 to 10:00 a.m.$5 a class drop-in. Located at Morro Bay Community Center, 1001 Kennedy Way. Country Western Line Dancing with Jan Blakely Join Jan this summer as he leads the fun, no partner needed class through several popular line dances. July 8 through August 26, Wednesdays 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Located at Morro Bay Community Center, 1001 Kennedy Way.

Private Tennis Lessons with Tennis Pro Stephanie Wagner Coach Wagner’s lessons are for all ages and all skill levels. Lessons take place mostly at Monte Young Tennis Courts, however, when scheduling your lessons with Coach Wagner, a specific time and location will be determined. Contact the Recreation Department at 772-6278 to schedule your lessons today!

E-Devise workshops Offered Thursday mornings 8:30-10:00 a.m. in the Morro Bay Library, 625 Harbor St.

Saturday, Nov. 7

7th Annual Morro Bay Sings

Morro Bay Sings Motown is a live concert, dinner and wine event, and silent and live auction and doors open at 5 p.m. Help raise money to provide youth recreational scholarships to the children of Estero Bay community.

This year’s event will feature music from MOTOWN. Jody Mulgrew will be crooning his cool arrangements on classics from the Supremes to Smokey Robinson.

The acoustic trio of Green to White will bring their eclectic vibe to tracks made famous by The Jackson 5, Stevie Wonder and more. Captain Nasty, a 9-piece funk ensemble, will no doubt provide a soulful funky spin on Motown favorites.Tickets are $35 and includes a dinner– soup, salad and bread catered by The Galley Seafood Grill & Bar of Morro Bay. Dessert will also be offered. Domestic beers and wines are available for purchase at $5 each, sodas at $2 each, with water and coffee free of charge.

Surfboard Festival Auction

If you make the winning bid, you’ll get to take home your favorite board. Join us at the Auction hosted at the Morro Bay Golf Course (State Park Rd.) from 2 – 5 p.m. Twentyfive (25) renowned local artists and community groups are creating beautiful works of nature and fantasy, and they will be displayed throughout the city. A map showing all of the sponsoring locations will be available online at mbsurfboardartfest.com.

Otter Rock Live Music

One Time Spaceman is playing at Morro Bays’ Otter Rock Cafe from 8:30 to 12 a.m. Otter Rock Cafe offers tasty cuisine, libation and an open dance floor to get your groove on with one of many live bands that make this a hip spot and pit stop on their tours. For more information, visit otterrockcafe.com.

Antiques & Estate Sale

November 7 & 8 – Antiques Et Cetera is hosting a large antiques & estate sale at The Lodge on the outskirts of Morro Bay. This weekend extravaganza will feature a wide array of antiques and collectibles you don’t want to miss out on. The event is open 9 a.m.-6 p.m. both days.

Sunday, Nov. 8 Morro Bay Triathlon

Swim or kayak in the bay, run on the beach, and bike along the coast for fun. Come out and enjoy some of the finest multisport terrain on the West Coast and be the Rock Star you know you are. To register, visit MorroBayTri. com.

Friday, Nov. 13

Drive-In Move at the Rock

November 13th – Come and enjoy drive in style two classic surf films “Five Summer Stories” and “Thicker Than Water” at Morro Rock. Cost is $10 adults and $5 for kids 12 and under with food available for purchase. Parking begins at 5:30 p.m. with show time at 6:30 p.m. Chair seating available in front – bring your own chair and regular drive in car parking too. Must have a portable device that plays the radio to hear the audio of the movies or use your car stereo. There will be some speakers set up for people in the front rows sitting outside in chairs. Each paid entry will receive a raffle ticket. There will be a few items raffled off before the movie starts, at the intermission and at the end of the night.

Coalesce Bookstore Live Music

Kicking off at 7 p.m. for the cost of $20, enjoy a concert featuring Ten Strings and a Goat Skin will wow all. This is an amazingly intimate setting to see live music and an event no one should miss. For more information, call 772-2880.

Saturday, Nov. 14

Morro Bay Friends of the Library BOOK SALE At the Morro Bay Community Center on Kennedy Way enjoy Children’s books; art, cookbooks, history, mysteries, DVDs & more all prices start at 50 cents. This event is hosted by Morro Bay Friends members kicking off at 9 a.m. General entry begin at 10 a.m. and the cost is

Nov.

Bring your questions about your electronic devise.

Nook, Kindle, iPad, laptop. Please call for an appointment, 772-6394.

Morro Bay Art Center Oil Painting Class Every Monday the Morro Bay Art Center is hosting Jason Mayr’s oil painting class for anyone to enjoy from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. This class will be available every Monday for the year 2015. To learn more anyone can visit, artcentermorrobay.com.

Morro Bay Art Center Creativity Day Everyday is creativity day at the Morro Bay Art Center.

Now on Wednesday’s it’s official from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. all can let the creative juices flow. To learn more anyone can visit, artcentermorrobay.com.

Otter Rock Karaoke With Bobby Santacruz Come out and let that star in you shine at Bobby Santacruz Karaoke night from 8 p.m. to midnight every Wednesday in Oct. on the 7,14,21 and 28. Otter Rock Cafe offers tasty cuisine, libation and an open dance floor to get your groove on with one of many live bands that make this a hip spot and pit stop on their tours. For more information, visit otterrockcafe.com.

TAROT TUESDAYS Calling all Empresses, Magicians, Lovers, and Seekers on the first and third Tuesdays of the month from 2:00-4:00 p.m. for the cost of $20. A fun afternoon of interactive tarot play! Relax with a cup of tea. Bring

your favorite deck. Enhance your intuitive reading skills, learn new spreads, practice reading with each other. For more information, visit rubydragon.info.

METAPHYSICAL DISCUSSION GROUP For those who think, feel, and dream outside of “the box” on Fridays from noon to 1 p.m. for a donation Oct. 2,9,16,23 and 30.This is an opportunity to meet with other progressive and inquisitive minds. For more information, visit rubydragon.info.

ANGEL HEALING CIRCLE On the second and fourth Wednesday, from 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. for the cost of $20 each enjoy class with Mary Hiestand, ATP Oct. 14 and 28. The Angel Healing Circle at Ruby Dragon is a peaceful time designed to help you relax, meditate, and connect to your Angels. For more information, visit rubydragon.info.

$3 to fill a bag from 1-2 p.m.

Otter Rock Live Music

Croondogs is playing at Morro Bays’ Otter Rock Cafe from 8:30 p.m. to12 a.m. Otter Rock Cafe offers tasty cuisine, libation and an open dance floor to get your groove on with one of many live bands that make this a hip spot and pit stop on their tours. For more information, visit otterrockcafe.com.

Sunday, Nov. 15 Otter Rock Live Music

Two for the Road is playing at Morro Bays’ Otter Rock Cafe from 6 to9 p.m. Otter Rock Cafe offers tasty cuisine, libation and an open dance floor to get your groove on with one of many live bands that make this a hip spot and pit stop on their tours. For more information, visit otterrockcafe.com.

Sunday, Nov. 29

Home for the Holidays Street Faire Take the family down Morro Bay Boulevard and Main Street between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. for holiday festivities,

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s a kiddie entertainment, food and gifts. This event is the perfect place to find a special gift just in time for thet holidays. Admission is free. For more information contactr the Morro Bay Merchants Association. i w Otter Rock Live Music

Frankie Parades & Friends are playing at Morro Bays’ Otter Rock Cafe from 6 to9 p.m. Otter Rock Cafe offers a tasty cuisine, libation and an open dance floor to get your groove on with one of many live bands that make this aS hip spot and pit stop on their tours. For more information,o visit otterrockcafe.com.

t p d Wednesday, Dec. 2 c Tall Ships in the Harbor December 2nd – 7th. Each year the “Voyages oft Discovery” programs on Lady Washington and Hawaiian M Chieftain engage more than 9,000 students in hands-on experiential programs, which are designed to meet stateg standards for grades 4, 5, and 6. These programs can bew tailored to the needs and interests of any age group in P grades K-12. Special Needs participants are welcome. s f t w

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Morro Bay Life - November 2015 - 11

Cencal Roofing holds wedding at Swallow Creek Ranch

Photos by Ruth Ann Angus

Quaid Birchell with his mom Erin Birchell at wedding rehearsal.

By RUTH ANN ANGUS

Photos by Ruth Ann Angus

For Morro Bay Life

This story has two themes. One is the story of a young couple finding each other and then finding just the right venue for their wedding. The other is the story of a ranch rich in history and the struggle for it to become that perfect location for a wedding.

Swallow Creek Ranch began life as a dairy farm in the 1800s when ItalianSwiss settlers purchased the 617 acres that once was part of a Spanish land grant. In the large redwood barn constructed on the property hundreds of cows were milked daily. Jump forward to the present day and cows are still found at the ranch but now they are hormone-fee grass-fed beef cattle.

Morro Bay resident Kyla Waddell Grafton grew up at the ranch. The historic barn was just the right setting for her wedding.

Photos of that event showed up on a web site and Kyla found herself getting requests from couples wanting to have their nuptials there. Before she knew it, she was in the wedding business.

“In the first year we had five weddings,” she said, “and five years later we were up to 20 weddings. Then the county stepped in and shut us down.”

Kyla had asked the county if a permit was needed before starting all of this and was told there was no permit of that type available. But nevertheless, after someone sent a letter of complaint to the county, they recapitulated and informed her that she did indeed need some kind of permit. However getting one was another story.

“By that time I had one child and another on the way, so I decided to not to proceed,” she said. And that is how things might have stayed which would have posed a problem for Quaid Birchell and Marissa Provensen.

Quaid is the son of Erin and Rusty Birchell, owners of Cencal Roofing in Morro Bay. He works there as does Marissa. Even though the two once attended grammar school together, they might never have become a couple if fate hadn’t stepped in.

Swallow Creek Randh Wedding barn interior.

“My family moved us to Oregon when I was in the sixth grade and I was gone for eight years,” Marissa said, “I didn’t come back until I was 20.” One day Quaid spotted this attractive blond in Albertson’s and struck up a conversation with her. They didn’t recognize each other. People change a lot between 12 and 20. But it must have been meant to be because they started dating.

“We jointly rescued two sickly Husky puppies,” Marissa said. “My puppy was white and his was black and it became like taking care of children together.” Soon they moved in together and promptly thereafter Quaid proposed.

Marissa said yes and they set a date.

Quaid wisely let Marissa have the choice of where to hold the ceremony. “I got nervous then,” she said, “and I freaked out a bit.” The Morro Bay Vet’s Hall was her first choice and the wedding would have occurred there six months ago, but Marissa just didn’t feel like it had the right vibe. So in spite of the fact that Quaid didn’t want a long engagement, she set about looking for another site. “I knew I wanted a more rustic setting,” she explained, “so I looked at the Santa Margarita Ranch barn.” While she felt the barn was beautiful, she also thought it was too far away and the climate there too hot. She also looked at Cayucos Creek barn but felt the venue would be too small for the amount of family they would have coming to the wedding. She really didn’t know what to do next.

After waiting seven years Kyla and her husband Paul started the arduous process of obtaining the necessary permits to hold weddings at the ranch. They had to jump through many hoops, make many improvements, and agree to a set period of time to have weddings before finally getting the go-ahead from the county and other agencies. Weddings began again at Swallow Creek Ranch in March of 2015.

As luck would have it, Quaid’s Mom,

Morro Bay Jewelers

Erin Birchell, knew Jennifer Norton.

Norton has a business called “Flawless Function” and coordinates many weddings and she suggested to Marissa to look at Swallow Creek Ranch.

It only took one look at the rustic barn and the ceremony site set on a hillside overlooking the ocean and Marissa knew she had found the right place.

Norton, as wedding planner, had her crew decorate the barn. She handled all the necessary vendors. Splash Café did the cake, Allison Watts of SLO Brew did the catering, and photographer Sam Potter of Atascadero was hired.

Quaid and Marissa celebrated their

nuptials on Oct. 17 on a beautiful fall afternoon. Marissa looked lovely in her elegant long white gown with a swooping bare back that she found online from a company in Australia. Her Maid of Honor and bridesmaids had chosen their own neutral colored outfits and all the guys wore slacks, long sleeve shirts, and suspenders.

As for Kyla and Swallow Creek Ranch, things are looking up. “We already have six weddings booked for next year,” she said.

For more information see swallowcreekranch.com. Swallow Creek Ranch also holds fundraiser events for nonprofits such as Morro Bay High School FFA, Eco-Slo, and Project Surfcamp.

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12 - Morro Bay Life - November 2015

Tiki boat focuses on marine life

Photos by Ruth Ann Angus

ABOVE: The Lost Isle Adventures Tiki boat and owner Thomas Pauley.

RIGHT: Brown pelicans on an old boat in the harbor.

By RUTH ANN ANGUS For Morro Bay Life

It’s off season and a perfect time for a bay cruise on the Tiki boat with Lost Isle Adventures. It’s not much to look at but this has to be the best and most economical boat tour around with prices at $10 for adults and $5 for children. You can even bring the family dog.

Upon boarding you can relax with your favorite drink drawn up by your captain at the full service bar. The “Tiki Leaky” is the specialty of the house, but beware, have too many of these potent drinks and you might miss out seeing the wonderful wildlife of the bay, which is what this bay tour is all about.

Bring your camera and arrive early to get a seat by the open windows to get the best shots. The boat holds about 20 people and there are seats next to Plexiglas windows that will shelter you from the cool breezes.

Fall and winter are perfect times for a tour like this as this is the time that many migratory birds spend time in Morro Bay.

You will most likely see tiny eared and horned grebes paddling about and then suddenly disappearing under the water as they dive for food. Another interesting bird you might see is the common loon. This is a fairly large bird that paddles low in the water. It has a long beak and a slight bump on its forehead but is otherwise an overall brownish color as are many of our wintering bird visitors who don’t show us their showy colorful feathers of their breeding season. Shorebirds will be running along the edge of the sandspit and brown pelicans will fly overhead.

Your captain may lift a conch shell to his lips and blow as he maneuvers the craft away from the dock and sets off down the harbor alongside fishing boats, yachts, and sailboats. On the way he will regale you with an interesting narrative about the history of the Morro Bay harbor and Morro Rock.

Soon you drift by the rocky shoreline

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near Morro Rock and come upon a raft of sea otters floating in the kelp, munching on shellfish. Sea otters are part of the weasel family and rarely come up on land. They even give birth in the water and you might see a mother sea otter cradling her pup on her breast. Sea otters endure the cold water thanks to the more than 250,000 to one millions hairs per square inch on their bodies that help keep them warm.

Perhaps one of the highlights of your tour will be the stop by the floating dock out in the bay where numerous California sea lions haul out. You will see male sea lions basking in an upright position poking their snooty noses in the air and every now and then letting loose with a bellowing roar. Females and young sea lions lie about and nap and often jostle for prime positions on the dock. Others will be swimming all around your boat.

Finally the Tiki boat approaches a sheltered cove at the sandspit and stops.

You can get off to stretch your legs and dig your toes into the soft sand. Your captain gives you 10 minutes to enjoy this and to snap photos of your companions with the Tiki boat in the background.

Back on the boat you can enjoy another libation or soft drink as the tour continues down the length of the harbor to view a mudflat called Grassy Island where white pelicans, brown pelicans, cormorants, herons, and shorebirds are roosting and feeding. Then it is time for the return trip to the dock.

Lost Isle Adventures is at 845 Embarcadero and departs the dock at the top of the hour but call 771-9337 for confirmation as times can vary due to weather. Open 11 a.m. to sunset – closed Tuesday and Wednesday during winter. For more information see baycruisers.com and click on rentals.

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