Day 1 - Santa Cruz to Paso Robles

For this stretch of road, the real destination is Death Valley, but we decided that we don't want to drive more than 200 miles per driving day, hence two stops in the middle.
We are heading to Paso Robles, driving on Highway 101, coasting along the Californian central valley. There are acres and acres of fertile dark brown soil, sown in perfect rows that go for miles. These are the months of hope that everything will go according to plan for an abundant harvest.
And it does every year!
In the central coast, the farmers got it down, and they produce enough food to feed all the other states, from veggies to fruit, to wine. With a $47.1 billion industry that corresponds to 12.5% of the country's total agricultural production, it is big business.
They were here before Hollywood, Biotech, Hightech and 'WhatAGreatIdea' startups. They are here to stay, because without them we don't eat. Their importance in our sustainability trumps all others without question even though the revenues are not as high.

I graduated with a degree in Agriculture from the University of Padova in Italy. I betrayed my dreams after only three months working in a small farm in San Martin.
The soil was too low?! Choices we make in life.
That's why I have the deepest respect and admiration for farmers every time I drive across this beautiful and fruitful valley.
I notice the precision on the perfectly straight rows, the lines of trees wisely planted to break the wind, the well-maintained irrigation canals sparkling in the sun. I admire the manicured, pruned vineyards that go on for miles all the way to the hills, and the beautiful murals on farmers' barn walls that define their pride for their land.
The foothills are velvety green with sporadic dark green oak trees. The only other trees are cropped around the occasional ranch houses. I do love every part of this state!

Before reaching Paso Robles, a good stop for a meal is the San Ardo Cafe in San Ardo, a town of 576 souls. The best part is the large paved area in front of the restaurant that allows you to park your rig with no worries.
Luis runs the joint and makes good veggie quesadillas.
The air in the locale is quite greasy and could use a better ventilation system, but the restrooms are clean and the food is good and reasonably priced.

By the way, Cafe Ardo takes only cash, credit cards are not accepted.

Every Friday night is Karaoke night, and patrons get to sing mostly romantic Spanish songs, some Mariachi and some English.
It starts at 6:00 pm and officially ends at 10:00 pm, but unofficially it really ends at 2:00 in the morning!
At this time Luis's Mom tells everybody to go home, because Luis must get up early and open the cafe at 7:00 the next morning.
Luis's Mom came to San Ardo years ago and bought the restaurant together with the gas station and liquor store across the street.
Luis' sister is a local arm wrestling champion and she challenges people on Karaoke nights.

Paso Robles is fancy. I didn't know that. It has many wine tasting venues and fancy restaurants but we are here mainly for R&R in Cava Robles RV Resort, a super luxurious campground.
We have parked our rig strategically near the gym and adult pool and most importantly to the adjacent Jacuzzi.
There is also another family pool area with restaurant, patio and BBQ areas. Everything is modern, new and clean. The view of the hills is pleasant in the typical California sunset.
Tonight we unpacked in a hurry because they're having free wine tasting and music in the restaurant hall. Cheers!
Check out their website: https://www.suncommunities.com/community/cava-robles-rv-resort/