search
Before going back to my cabin to get some work done (I swear!), I took this shot of the setting sun.
After a bit of hiking, our friendly web monkey, Jon Iverson, took a seat on an old, wooden bench, which had apparently been made just for him.
Heavy storms along the California coast made for rough waters, but also made for many dramatic photo opportunities.
But I know what you’re all wondering. Hiking schmiking. Beauty schmeauty. You’re wondering if we made time for any vinyl shopping. Of course we did! Here I am, making my way through the deep stacks at Boo Boo Records in San Luis Obispo. If you’re ever in the area, you definitely need to stop at Boo Boo’s.
I didn’t buy any records. Crazy, I know. I just didn’t want to bother with bringing LPs back home on the plane. I did buy a bunch of compact discs for Jon and Corrina, though, because sharing music is even more fun than buying it for yourself. When we got back home…
Boo Boo Records had a nice selection of cheap cassettes. Here I am making out with them.
After Boo Boo’s, we made our way to Cheap Thrills, another excellent San Luis Obispo location filled with books, movies, and music. Upstairs is where they keep the delicious vinyl. I’ve never seen a better selection of country music. I was so tempted to buy every Bobby Bare, Willie Nelson, Charlie Pride, Merle Haggard, and Tammy Wynette album they had.
While there, we came across this disc, SLO Grown, a compilation of songs recorded by San Luis Obispo musicians. Among many more obscure artists, you’ll find our very own web monkey, Jon Iverson, alongside some dude named Al…
And, yes, while hanging with Jon and Corrina, we did find time to listen to some music. Here I am, sitting in the sweet spot, in awe of the views (sonic and visual). I don’t think I’ve heard a more thrilling system. Jon’s got the sound optimized for size and impact, with incredibly focused, larger than life images set within a massive soundstage. Transients were startlingly fast and clean. And while I’m not usually too fond of subwoofers, the sound here was completely seamless, the subs adding texture and punch while never intruding upon the musical flow.
Jon introduced me…
On this night, I stayed up very late working on “Recommended Components” for the upcoming April 2010 issue. Having spent the entire day all alone, I was able to get a great number of listings compiled. No, I did not freak myself out by thinking about the ghosts of the cabin’s previous inhabitants.
Lucia Lodge was opened in the early 1900s, on land originally settled by Wilbur and Ada Harlan in 1885. The Harlan family still owns and operates the Lodge. They’re great people.
Here we see the first four cabins of Lucia Lodge. I stayed in Cabin 10, the Honeymoon Cottage, the cabin closest to the edge of the cliff. During a storm, heavy winds shook the cabin walls and waves went crashing onto the rocky shore below. It was a thrilling, beautiful time, and a wonderful reminder that the most amazing experiences in life are only made better by sharing them with others.
…