After a rainy weekend and some cold evenings that saw temperatures dip into the low 30’s, I decided to cruise to Morro Bay on my day off. The sun had just come out and while still chilly, it was nice to feel some warmth. I was anxious to get out of the house and after some thought I settled on traversing Old Morro Road from Atascadero to the coast. With no particular destination in mind it was clear, once I got into the car, that lunch was in order and I would stop somewhere along the way.
Looky Here
It is always an adventure following my nose and I thought that it would be nice to stop at places that I had only driven by before. Just such a place is the Last Stage West along Highway 41 about half way between Atascadero and Morro Bay. If anyone has read “Another Road Side Attraction” by Tom Robbins this is certainly the place he had in mind when writing the book. I had driven past this outpost so many times through the years that it had the opportunity to burn down, get demolished and get rebuilt as I whizzed by. Alas, as I approached the turn off I saw that the closed sign was on indicating that now is not the time to dilly dally.
The Super Chief
Further down the road and the next destination was a former Bed and Breakfast that has been listed for sale for about ten years. Always wanted to stop and poke around the building to see what you would get for, no doubt, a good chunk of change and 20 plus acres. Again I was thwarted by a flurry of cars parked in the driveway. Not wanting to disturb or alarm anyone I decided to drive on. Last but not least on my list was a veggie burrito from Tacos de Mexico in Morro Bay. Third time is the charm and I got one to go.
A Peek Inside
After parking the car on the bluff over looking Tidelands Park I decided to take to the pavement and walk through town toward Morro Bay State Park. Through the Heron Rookery where I spotted dozens of nests high up in the Eucalyptus trees lining the shore of the bay. I could smell the familiar smells of low tide and eucalyptus as this is an area in which I ran every day way back in the early 80’s when I lived in Morro Bay. I traversed through the golf course and campground and wound my way to the top of the course and followed the road on down and back to the car. Driving now I meandered through the streets of town and arrived at the crossroads of Main St. and Old Morro Road where I noticed something I had missed earlier. Parked in a lot that was once the site of a gas station was a pair of old railroad cars that looked very familiar. Familiar to anyone that is, who remembers driving South from San Luis Obispo toward Santa Barbara. Located on a frontage road along Highway 101 in between San Marcos Pass and Gaviota toward Santa Barbara there stood a pair of old railroad cars that was clearly the site of an old diner. The last time I drove through that area I noticed that the rail cars had been dismantled and carted off. I remember at the time wondering where they went and what fate awaited them. Well look no further.
Head Shot
Some one has rescued these delightful relics and has rested them temporarily on railroad ties poised to move forward and hopefully to restoration. As there were no markings on the cracked and peeled paint I have no idea of the manufacture, use and history of these beauties. Look for yourself and I hope that someone will come forward with knowledge enough to shed some light on these landmark railcars from yesteryear. Enjoy the view………
The Second Car
Another Inside View
Broadside
Central Coast CORSA 