We just back from an amazing weekend up in central California. We camped for 3 nights in Pismo Beach and spent the days exploring Hearst Castle, adorable San Luis Obispo, and hiking at Montana de Oro state park. Our camp site was nestled next to a lagoon and just over the hill from the ocean. Oh boy did we really rough it.
After reading the new article in Sunset on camping in comfort, I couldn't resist getting a new rug to keep out the dirt and throw some spare white sheets on the air mattress. I don't think I slept that good in a long time.
No hot dogs or smores for us. I love to cook while camping, which is weird because I don't really like to cook at home. There is something magical about cooking in the fresh evening air, over an open fire, usually with a gin and tonic in hand. We had yummy burgers, steak, and salad, but my favorite had to be the artichokes (trim and steam artichokes as usual at home, then wrap in foil with a drizzle of olive oil, balsamic vinegar, garlic, brown sugar, and salt, toss on the fire until hot). So luscious, there's no need for dipping sauce.
I was worried about food staying fresh in the cooler for the last night, so we had my new favorite thing: sauteed sardines with garlic and spinach on grilled bread with bruschetta (saute trader joes boneless skinless sardines with thinly sliced garlic and a handful of fresh spinach). I paired it with a pasta salad I assembled the night of with fresh english peas, bacon, toasted pine nuts, and a light pesto cream sauce. Yeah, not quite sure why I don't cook like this every night, because it was freaking righteous.
Who needs an alarm clock when you've got papa goose, his 4 baby mamas and chicks as a wakeup call. These guys owned the place.
A short hike over the hill, flowers and silky sand galore, the ocean greeted us.
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