COOLER

COOLER
Today is Saturday, August 29, 2009. The weatherman predicts another scorcher today. I wasn’t looking forward to it. So, what a pleasant surprise when I received a phone call from my daughter, Mary, early this morning, She wondered if I would be interested in riding over to Bodega Bay with her and Greg. It certainly didn’t take long for me to make the decision. There can be a 30 to 40 degree temperature spread between here and there in the summer. Fairfield is inland and Bodega Bay is on the edge of the Pacific Ocean - a distance of about 60 miles.
It was a pretty drive over to the coast - I hadn’t been over there, since my whale watching trip, 25 years ago. I was surprised al the “open” space which was very appealing - especially the many areas with grazing horses. While we were driving in highway 37, Greg informed us of the bumper sticker ahead, which we enjoyed. - “The driver carries no cash - he’s married.”

Greg parked on a bluff overlooking the ocean, and we got out. While there was a brisk breeze, visibility was good. I breathed in that cool- fresh air! How nice. There was a group of people, with their binoculars trained on the ocean, whale watching.
We came back in to “town”, and stopped at a “Craftsman’s Cooperative” to check out their hand-made skills. It was really a quality shop! The pricing of the various crafts - primarily paintings and ceramics - would screen out the riff-raff! Mary knew that I was familiar with Joann Cassidy’s craft skill, and she exhibited them here. Marie, and I, are also friends of her parents, Tommie and Percy Klimisch. Tommie died earlier this year. Joann’s work is quite unique. She specializes in Raku Pottery. This technique is a traditional Japanese firing process. It involves a very rapid heating and cooling process.
Then, we browsed around the Tides Wharf. I enjoyed the beautiful view of the bay through their large windows. Then, we went outside on to the deck where we continued to enjoy the view, along with the perching sea gulls.
We stopped at Lucas Wharf Restaurant & Bar for lunch. I knew that it would be a quality place, because of the crowd inside.- including many locals. While we had to wait about a half hour to be seated, it was well worth it We had a table with a nice view of the harbor.
On our return ride, we stopped at a cooperative - consignment -antique shop, which had some interesting wares. Traffic was much heavier than it was on our inbound trip. Part of the reason was because it was later. But, it was probably due mostly to “inlanders” searching for cool air.
It was a very pleasant day, and I thank them for being so thoughtful to invite me along. I really enjoyed the day. Greg check the car’s thermometer, and gave Mary and I a reading of 108 degrees!. I am sure that there was no parallax error.
RCL - 8/30/09.