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Eagle Rock Hike

8/12/2016

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El Chorro Regional Park has many wonderful areas to explore. This park offers a little something for everyone. Botanical gardens, areas to play sports (volleyball, golf, baseball), a garden area, and the thing that attracted me today...hiking. This space was once used by Camp San Luis, as a practice area. Prior to the military taking control, this was pasture/grazing land for cattle. In 1972, the government returned this portion of the land, back to San Luis Obispo County.

This park is a wonderful place for kids, with this hike only adding to the adventure. This trail increases in elevation fast enough to provide a spectacular view, but gradually enough that you'll be able to enjoy the summit without fighting to catch your breath. It's a bit over a mile to the top, so expect to set aside a little over an hour (depending on how long it takes you spend at the top) to make the entire loop.
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Oak Tree
Eagle Rock Trail
Once you exit Highway 1, follow Dairy Creek Road about a half-mile. You will need to park in the designated parking area, and walk to the trail head about .2 miles north of the parking lot. You will see the pedestrian gate, along with some brochures to help you learn about the surrounding area. These are a wonderful addition for those looking to slow down and "smell the roses", and are meant to be returned once you have completed your trek to Eagle Rock. With this information you will learn about the different ecology, plants and wildlife, that make this area special. 

Just over a half-mile up the trail, you will need to bear right to reach the Eagle Rock Viewpoint. The stunning view, which opens up before you, will reveal the nine morros. From Morro Bay in the north, to Islay Hill in the south, the vista is breathtaking. In my opinion, this is the perfect hike to show people what the "outdoor lifestyle" in San Luis Obispo County is all about. Whether you have friends who have an aversion to the word "hike", or know someone curious about what makes SLO the "happiest town", this is the perfect hike.

After soaking in the panoramas (and posting them to Instagram), head back down the path to the junction. Just as before, keep to the right. You will complete the loop by walking through the Elfin Woods. You're not going to spot Legolas, but you will have plenty of shade as you walk beside Dairy Creek (which until the drought, ran all year) to the sound of water (when nature blesses us with more rain).

Easy to hike so you're not wiped out by the end. Amazing views of the dormant volcanoes that define our landscape. Self-guided tours to educate you on the area. You really can't ask for much more out of a short hike. Head to El Chorro Regional Park the first chance you get, and I'm sure you'll agree.
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Rattlesnake Avoidance Training for Dogs

10/7/2015

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San Luis Obispo Rattlesnake Training
​Did you know ...?
EVERY season is rattlesnake season in So. California 

As a matter of fact their daytime activity actually increases in Fall and Spring vs Summer.

Why? Because they like cooler or milder temperatures just like some people do. So when the temperature is cooler in fall and spring, rattlers are more active during the day.

"Anytime the temperature gets above about 80 degrees, the rattlesnake will generally retreat from that and try to hide," said Terry Phillips, curator of reptiles at Reptile Garden.

"So in the spring and fall, they're active right now during the daytime. In the hot summer months, they're usually active in the evening, overnight, and early in the morning."

​​For those who enjoy the outdoors with your dogs or those living in homes backed up to hillsides and in rural areas, rattlesnakes can be a great risk to your dog requiring emergency medical care and the cost involved can rise quickly.  Rattlesnake avoidance training will teach your dog to avoid the sight, sound and the smell of a rattlesnake once they become aware of one to give you peace of mind and potentially save both you and your dogs' life by alerting you to the presence of a rattlesnake. So, if you have not had your dog trained yet, it's not too late!


Rattlesnake Avoidance Training for Dogs
MARK YOUR CALENDARS... NEW DATES & LOCATIONS!

San Luis Obispo Oct 17th
Ojai Nov. 7th

(Address will be provided with registration confirmation)                                                                                                     
Cost: $95 per dog
   
Pre-Registration Required 
Space is Limited - Sign up now to Reserve Your Time!

To register or for more info go to MANPAW.com or call 805.523.3432
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Money Talks

6/17/2015

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By Lindsey Rapone
Do you want valuable information and free food? This summer, United Way of San Luis Obispo County is hosting two “Money Talks” workshops for young adults ages 16-22. Come join us for a free lunch and crucial financial advice!

Now is a perfect time to start thinking about your finances. Nearly half of all of American families spend more than they make, and even more are saving nothing for retirement.  What's worse is that money stress destroys relationships and is harmful to our health!  Education about debt, investing, credit scores, and budgeting is more important than ever – and these vital topics aren’t taught by most schools.


At United Way of San Luis Obispo County, we believe that financial literacy should be taught from a young age. Financial knowledge is an important building block for a person’s future success, and we are dedicated to instilling this knowledge in our youth.

We have teamed up with financial professionals to bring the “Money Talks” program to teens and young adults in SLO county.  The “Money Talks” program was started by the University of California Cooperative Extension. It was created to improve the economic well-being of youth in America.  The program is usually 5 class sessions, but this summer Mr. Ryan Caldwell from Wacker Wealth Partners will be teaching Personal Finance 101, a condensed two hour version of the material.

This fun, interactive class will focus on the most critical aspects of financial literacy for young adults: the emotion behind financial decisions, the mechanics of building and maintaining a good credit score, various forms of debt and how to stay out of trouble, basics of taxes, goal setting, saving, and investing.  

Teaching young adults about their money personality - the set of ideas that govern spending, giving, and investment decisions - is a pivotal step in securing a strong financial future.  Knowing their money personalities early on helps young adults understand what motivates their financial behavior, and allows them to make meaningful and lasting changes to create the financial future they want.

The teens and young adults will also learn about the importance of setting realistic and attainable money goals.  One helpful strategy they will learn is to pay themselves first, establishing the habit of setting aside money into savings before paying bills or buying groceries.

We will illustrate how starting a savings plan early has a profound impact on one's ability to save towards long-term goals because time and compounding do some of the work for you!  The class will also focus on the basics of using credit cards, bank accounts, investing, debt management, and credit reports.  Understanding these basic financial concepts from a young age will allow the young adults to make wise financial decisions now and in the future.

There will be two Personal Finance 101 classes this summer: July 27 and August 21, both from 11:00 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.  The workshops are free and lunch will be provided.  Registration is required.

For more information or to register, visit our website, or call Rachel Cementina at (805) 541-1234. These workshops will be an invaluable experience for young adults ages 16-22.




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Cupping Therapy on the Central Coast

5/8/2015

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By: Sarah Simon
If we can remember last weekend there were a ton of festivities happening in San Luis Obispo. Between Barrels in Plaza, Art after Dark and the 2015 Central Coast Sustainability Festival it was definitely a tough call choosing how to spend the weekend. Sometimes the best thing to do though is something completely not mainstream; which is exactly what I decided to do.


It wasn’t that I didn’t want to spend the weekend being active in the community but that I knew I needed to surrender to self-effacement and spend my time focused on something that doesn’t happen quite often enough.


Healing.


Now, before I begin I want to acknowledge the fact that I totally get what you’re thinking. ‘Why the heck is she venting about healing?’ And friends, I’m talking with you about this today for a lot of reasons. The most important being that living in San Luis Obispo has healed me and I think that’s worth sharing.


When I moved to the Central Coast last August I had just started an acupuncture-healing regime related to a five-year-old college injury. I had been in an accident that left my eye struggling for sight and my mental state completely distraught. In the process of healing I focused primarily on my vision and completely neglected the rest of body that caused a lot of built up tension in my neck, shoulder and jaw area.


Around this time last year I decided to do a home acupuncture session due to some minor facial swelling which began an uprising of built up tension, emotion and misalignment I had neglected to care for over the last five years.


As I started to release I noticed more and more systemic progression. And for me, being the adventurous person that I am, I started experimenting with different forms of therapy to promote restoration.


I had read a little bit about cupping therapy but never thought too much about it. Yet as I went in for my biweekly acupuncture appointment my acupuncturist, Michelle Hamilton (who you should absolutely see at SLO Wellness for all your holistic healing needs) suggested we try it to release deeper uncovered tension in my back and shoulder area.


I trusted her judgment as Michelle is truly an expert at her craft and probably asked 100+ questions about the therapy before we began. Now, for those of you who don’t know Michelle she really listens and educates during her sessions (not to mention she always dresses super cute!) so I felt really comfortable moving forward with the therapy.


What it is is an ancient Chinese method of relieving pain and extracting toxins from the body. A vacuum is essentially created by placing heated cups on the skin that  creates a suction and increases blood flow and energy to the treated area. It literally feels like the pain is being lifted out of the body through a tingling massage like sensation! What’s super neat about it too is that the treatment only lasts about three minutes and has serious long-term effects. I will warn you though, it will create some serious bruising, so don’t freak out when I show you the end result.


Are you ready?


Wait for it…


Wait for it...!
Cupping Bruises
Ah!


Are you shocked? Don’t worry! The bruises went away after about a week and my back has never felt better!


But that’s not even the best part! The best part about the treatment is that I cannot even begin to tell you how many people have inquired about my experience. What  does it feel like? How is it done? Where did you go? Were you scared? Can I see more? I couldn’t believe it! All these inquires right here in our little community!


The following day I had a little pain and soreness but nothing like what you might assume from the picture. My purpose here though is not to tell that you that you should or shouldn’t do this treatment because frankly it’s not for everyone. What I’m here to tell you is that this therapy is available right in your own backyard. The Central Coast is filled with alternative therapies for those who live an active lifestyle or are interested in experimenting with more holistic remedies. We’re very lucky to have so many unique forms of healing in our little bubble and the fact that so many people expressed interest in my story is why I’m sharing it with you today.


If I can share the magic, and the power, and the opportunity that the Central Coast has to offer than my mission is complete. I’m here for you and I know you’re here for me and that’s why the Central Coast is the ultimate place to be.  




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Hike El Chorro Park

4/29/2015

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     El Chorro Regional Park is located about 3.5 miles north of San Luis Obispo, directly across from Cuesta College. Dairy Creek Golf Course, shares this expansive property which used be grazing land for cows (that's why it's called "Dairy Creek"). Many dairy farms were located in the area, prior to the govenment purchasing the land in the 1940s. Camp San Luis Obispo was created to train soldiers, and used this property to do so, until the Nixon administration in 1972. President Nixon gave the land, that is now El Chorro Park, to San Luis Obispo County. Under county control, the land is used for golfing, camping, events, a botanical garden, sports, and most important to this article....hiking.  

     This hike has a steady incline to it, so you get to the panoramic view quickly. However, the terrain is not so steep that beginers or parents with their kids will have trouble. The quick and easy trek to start seeing the majesty of the surrounding area, makes this a great hike for Cuesta students between classes.

In order to find the trailhead, continue to the very last parking lot in El Chorro Park. From there, the pedestrian gate is about .25 miles along the road. The Sierra Club has provided an opportunity to hike a self-guided nature trail at this location. The signs are clearly visible, and you should have no problem following them.

Approximately .5 miles up the trail, you will make a right turn toward Eagle Rock. After finishing the final mile, you will arrive to the final viewing area. From the top you are able to see all 9 Morros, From Morro Rock, to Islay Hill, you will see the "sisters" lie never before.

This hike, is "pound-for-pound" on of the greatest hikes the area has to offer (if you disagree, comment with your favorite). With limited effort, you can see nature's splendor laid out before you. Don't forget to tag your pictures from the top #ExploreSloCounty when you post them to Instagram! Have fun, stay safe, and happy hiking!!!
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SLO YMCA Adult Flag Football

4/24/2015

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-San Luis Obispo, CA SLO YMCA has a way to make us feel like kids again! They are introducing an adult flag-football league to San Luis Obispo. Now you can don ribbons and chase each other around like you were 10 years old, all over again!


Sign-ups have already begun, and are available by visiting the SLO YMCA website. You have the opportunity to register any time prior to April 30th, so don’t hesitate putting together your team. The games will be held at Los Ranchos Elementary School, in SLO.
Teams may consist of 10 players maximum (matches are 6-on-6). Put together your co-workers, best friends, or your family. This is a great team-building opportunity, not to mention a great way to get outdoors. Each team should designate a captain to register their team (here), but each player will be required to sign in at game-time. All players need to be at least 18 years old to play.


The costs involved to register, goes to support the San Luis Obispo Chapter of the YMCA. Registration is $325 per team (once again, up to 10 people). Teams are required to be in matching Jerseys/T-shirts for the games. T-shirts are available locally from J. Carroll  Screen Printing. You may want to purchase a mouth-guard as well, but it is not a requirement (this is a friendly game, but accidents happen). You can find the complete rules here.


If your company is unable to participate, but would still love to support SLO YMCA through sponsorship, we have those opportunities. Sponsorship has many benefits, a few being that you will be seen on the website, and also appear on the winning T-shirts. Sponsorships start at $250, but you may donate more if you choose. If you would like to simply volunteer as an individual (or group) to help put the event on, you can register through the United Way’s Volunteer SLO website. Sign-up is quick and easy, and will connect you with the appropriate people/organizations.


We hope to see the whole community at Los Ranchos Elementary on June 6th and 7th, for our Annual Adult Flag Football Tournament!


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Reservoir Canyon Trail

4/20/2015

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At the foot of the Cuesta Grade

you will find one of the best hikes in Slo County. It's about a 1.5-mile investment to make the top, but the payout is worth the trek. To begin, you are enticed into the trail by a waterfall. During this horrible drought, it's been a trickle (still more than most creeks).  Catch this (the tallest waterfall in the county) spot after a good rain, and you will be rewarded with an amazing display of fluid power. Be VERY careful, especially here, about not touching the poision oak. It's off the hook in some areas.
Picture
Poison Oak

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Central Coast Foodie: Novo Restaurant & Lounge

4/10/2015

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By: Sarah Simon
Ah brunch. That weekend morning meal between breakfast and lunch that indulges all-in-one weekend success. You've already slept in, and in the midst of feeling completely well rested and full of joy because you have the entire day to yourself, your instinct tells you, 'Who needs Wheaties when you can have champagne and orange juice?' You throw on something in between pajamas and casual wear without completely kidding yourself to pass like you 'woke up like this' and you decide to treat yourself. By this time it's already 11:30am and you have a cocktail  paired with a mess of deliciously eccentric breakfast concoctions, maybe a sandwich but usually not, and life is just good!

So needless to say I was totally on board when my friend invited me to her birthday brunch at Novo. I rode my bike, which was a smart move, and upon entering the restaurant I was completely immersed in the amazing ambiance that is Novo. We sat creekside in a completely serene setting with just enough space between each party at a table for eight in the shade. I enjoyed a Mojito but our table was filled with specialty cocktails including Bellinis and Bloody Marys. Something I liked about the Bellini's was that the mixologist included fruit in the glass. As for the Bloodys, these babies we're topped with everything from bacon, green olives, celery and lemon. I'm personally not a fan of either drink (hence the Mojito bit) but the fact that they went the extra mile to create a visually appealing beverage says a lot in my book.

The food though is what's really good. Our table had eggs benedict with potatoes along side an english muffin, smoked salmon on a bagel with cream cheese and capers, turkey avocado crepes in a delectable cream sauce and a hearty burger on a brioche bun topped with sauteed mushrooms and all the fix-ins.  With all these choices what's not to love? But for the sake of encompassing all the elements, my only gripe would have to be the price. Maybe I'm not at that level to order $9 shrimp avocado spring rolls and a $14 calamari appetizer plus a $9 fennel citrus salad, $15 burger and two $11 Mojitos, (because that's what I really wanted) but a girl can dream; and when I get to that point I'll be back because Novo is definitely worth the trip!
 
Want more? Feast for yourself.

Novo Restaurant & Lounge
The Network Shopping Center
726 Higuera St, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
(805) 543-3986
www.novorestaurant.com
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Tales of Madonna Mountain

3/19/2015

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Sarah Simon
I've always felt a sort of special connectivity to vibes. Whether it's intuition, sense of fear or a first impression vibes are coursing all around us. There's something especially spectacular about feeling something from higher up. With this in mind, my husband and I decided to go up on a Sunday. With the dog in one hand, and lots of water in the other off we went on the quest to the ultimate SLO high spot: The M.


As we headed up Madonna Mountain, also known as the Cerro San Luis Trail, the trail continuously curved through the ins and outs of the lavish green hillside and blooming wildflowers.


We stopped below the power lines to further embrace the depth of our surroundings and although fairly steep this 1.5 mile trek overlooks the SLO valley from multiple perspectives. Before we knew it we were at the M screaming and shouting, "Can you believe it!"  As we overlooked the endless stretch of mission style homes and buildings, the clouds shaped a perfect outline of the bubble that is San Luis Obispo.  I couldn't help but be grateful to live in such a beautiful place.


In the midst of the excitement I asked my husband to hike to the top of the M for a picture. The M, which we assumed stood for Madonna Mountain, is actually a white painted canvas for Mission College Prep High School. Constructed in 1966 this SLO symbol encompasses hard work, determination and success. As my husband hiked up the significantly high hillside to reach the top, dog and water bottle precariously in hand, time stood still.  Chakk-chackk-chak-chak, chak-a-chak-akk-chk-chk-chk, swish, bustle, swish, swish.



Silence.


The water bottle. Gone. From the top of the M to no man's land in a flash.


Just as the dog almost fled the scene to retrieve said bottle my husband was already crawling down the large wooden M and into the brush.  I couldn't see or hear anything that was happening and thought for sure I had lost both bottle and husband.


"Found it!" came wafting from below.  Still out of sight, the pooch and I anxiously awaited the return of our hero.  And just like that, my husband beat gravity at it's own game and with the same determination and explorative drive used by the M's creators, we basked in the SLO vibes with water bottle, dog and each other safely in hand.
Cerro San Luis
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Highway 1 Through SLO County

5/23/2014

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Tweet
As far as historic American highways go, the Pacific Coast Highway is second only to historic Route 66.

Originally started in the 1930’s, the Pacific Coast Highway extends from the tip of Baja, California to the 

Olympic Peninsula in Washington. Since its completion, the Pacific Coast Highway has become a favorite 

destination for RVers, and photographers alike. 

Along its trek from southern California to northern Washington, the Highway winds along the coast. 



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    San Luis Obispo Blog

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    We look to provide ideas to get folks away from the couch, and out exploring California. We aim to provide day-trips. We want to provide suggestions of things to do, in a single day. Whether you're from out-of-town, or looking to get to know the our magnificent section of California (and beyond) a little better....we want to inspire you to explore.

    If you have an article you would like published, feel free to send your ideas to patron@slocounty.info, for consideration.

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