Thursday, July 17, 2008

Morro Bay - Part II

For those who have never been to Morro Bay, below the picture I am adding some info about Morro Rock. When I was a little girl, we would look for the "three pipes" (from an energy plant) and the peak of "the rock" as we neared the town. Upon seeing the rock or the pipes, we would squeal with excitement knowing we were almost there. Occasionally the misty flog would cloud our view but that made us happy too. If there was misty fog we knew we had escaped the valley heat and entered cool weather. There were a few things we had to do each time we went to Morro Bay. Those were: for dinner eat fish and chips at Bob's Seafood topped with a chocolate frosty from Foster's Freeze, drive to the top of Black Mountain above the golf course to see the view, visit the fish market for a fresh shrimp cocktail, walk onto the small pier and see the U.S. Coast Guard boats (which we got to tour a few times), get fresh, saltwater taffy, walk on the beach and pick up rocks, visit the aquarium and feed the seals, have one morning breakfast at Dorn's overlooking the water, drive through the Eucalyptus trees and breathe, watch the golfers, and get chocolate teddy bear cookies from the bakery.“Morro” is the Spanish name for crown. Named “El Morro” by Portuguese Explorer Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo in 1542. Morro Rock State Historic Landmark was formed about 23 million years ago from the plugs of long-extinct volcanoes. Member of the “Nine Sisters” of volcanic plugs. Home of nesting Peregrine Falcons. Closed to any climbing or disturbance. Morro Rock was an important navigational aid for mariners for over 300 years as it height of 576 feet made it the most visible in a chain of nine peaks. Portuguese explorer Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo named the rock “El Morro” in 1542. In Spanish "Morro" means crown shaped hill.
Morro Rock, sometimes called the “Gibraltor of the Pacific,” is the last peak which extends from San Luis Obispo to Morro Bay.
Read More The rock itself was mined on and off until 1963. Morro Rock provided material for the break water of Morro Bay and Port San Luis Harbor. In 1966 a bill was introduced which transferred the full title to the State of California. Later the San Luis Obispo County Historical Society and the City of Morro Bay succeeded in getting the Morro Rock declared as California Registered Historical Landmark #821. Morro Rock also became State Landmark #801 in 1968. The rock has since been designated a bird sanctuary for the Peregrine Falcon and other bird species.

8 comments:

  1. Can you believe that i only live 20 minutes from there, but i never go there!!!! Its such a cool lil town, but i guess i just get "stuck" in my lil schedule that i kind of forget all the neat lil towns that are around me!!! Hope to see you soon!!!

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  2. My daughter and I went on a short vacation in Morro Bay. We loved it. I'm not home to look up the name of the place where we stayed. but the room was great and from the deck the view was splendid. Definitely a place to recommend - very relaxing.

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  3. I used to go to MB every summer and the funny part is...I too, would look for the three pipes and the rock. Such a good feeling knowing that you were getting closer. For me, because I always got car sick going up (good times).
    Since moving to the Bay Area, I don't go as often. I did however go a couple of years ago and wanted to make sure my daughter got to feed the seals. Funny thing about walking in is, the place has not changed! Still smells the same and I'm pretty sure they still sell the same items as I remember as a little girl. The poor aquarium still looks the same after 20 years ~ LOL ~

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  4. Sheramy - guess you need to get outta your box. LOL

    Catherine - My guess is you stayed at Blue Sail Inn although there are several others that have view rooms. Glad you enjoyed the town.

    Lacy - What a surprise to hear from you!!! I just visited your blog and saw your beautiful children. WOW!!! I am feeling somewhat old now!!! Have you really been married that long?!?!? Guess time flies when you are having fun. Thanks for dropping by. It was so nice to catch up and you are welcome at my blog anytime.

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  5. P.S. to Lacy - you summed the aquarium up exactly right. I started laughing when I read your comment. LOL

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  6. I lived in Morro Bay when I was in first grade (YEARS ago). I loved walking down to the pier and the beach was almost deserted in the early morning hours. I'm sure I wouldn't recognize the area. We only lived about 4-blocks from the pier and beach area. I remember waking up at night and hearing the lonely sound of the fog horn blowing and I'd get up and look out the window and the fog would be so dense I couldn't even see the lights of the house next door. Oh what memories... so long ago! Thanks for bringing that back to mind.

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  7. Hi Jana, You must have had as many other things to do lately as I do. It seems no one is blogging much. I think it gets this way a bit in the summer. Hope you're doing well.

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  8. Heartwhispers - thanks for dropping by my blog and you are most welcome any time. I'm sure living in Morro Bay would be memorable and a hard place to leave. The weather is absolutely gorgeous and the landscape amazing.

    Helen - Yes, life has been somewhat hectic. Thanks for checking in on me. I have either not felt well or been busy. This next week will be busy, too. We leave for camp next Sunday and I hope to be able to stay caught up on the blogging world.

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