RecreationIn and About CambriaDrew WethernSo you’ live in or have just arrived in Cambria, are kicking it in your over priced rental, ocean view home of substance, or found the perfect hotel or bed and breakfast, and you’re off to that restaurant that sounded so good. And then the weekend is for relaxation. What better way to start relaxing than a little outdoor recreation. (And feel like you earned one of those rich desserts you know is coming after dinner) Cambria is a beautiful setting for many of the outdoor activities that you already love, and some that you just may want to try for the first time.
Maybe a ride sounds too strenuous, and a stroll or a light hike along the beautiful coastal cliffs sounds like a better way to spend those free or vacation hours. Cambria specializes in spectacular coastline. Moonstone Beach Drive is a great place to start. At the north end of the drive is Leffingwell point. You'll find plenty of free parking here. A trail goes southbound, and works its way along the cliffs (with some branches that will take you down to the beach) for almost two miles. The walk is mostly flat, and very leisurely. Even after a hundred or so walks on this trail, I still get mesmerized by the serene beauty of the waves pounding in the rocks. You will probably notice some surfers in the water on your walk. It can definitely be worth a moment to stop and watch. If you're like me though, watching won’t be enough. For surfers, and surf kayakers (Dan Martin of Village Upholstery and Dean Hilger one of our local dentists comprise the Cambria surf-kayak force) there are a couple of places along Moonstone Beach, where the break is nice and fun, and compared with many surf spots in California, it’s very friendly in the water. If you see other people in the water, it is probably safe to surf there. The ocean floor is very rocky around here, so pick your spot carefully. I’ll see you in the water. Ocean sports are a lot of work, and can be more of a solo venture than not. Cambria offers more structured and social sports as well. The Cambria Tennis Club invites all comers for “Drop-In Tennis” at 9:00 am on Saturday and Sunday at the courts located at Coast Union High School. (You know, the one on Santa Rosa Creek Road) They play doubles games, and rotate everyone in, whether you come alone or with a partner. The club is always happy to see new people drop-in. I guess if riding, walking, getting wet, or dropping-in on a tennis game doesn’t sound quite perfect, just go to Shamel Park. You’ll find it on Windsor Blvd. Our local park is a well kempt experience thanks to Brock and located right at the beach just south of Moonstone beach drive. It offers plenty of space and here you can create a little outdoor fun of your own. Throw a Frisbee or a football, have a bar-b-que, or just lay in the grass, do nothing, and watch it all go by for a while. Of course there are more bike rides, hikes, and places to surf, or do nothing than what I’ve given you here. Just ask!! People here will give you an answer when they can. If you live here you know what a wealth of activity can be found; If your visiting you’ll soon discover….Cambria is a great place to just be outside. Maybe I’ll see you on my bicycle, or at Saturday tennis, but right now the surf is up, and I’m gonna get wet. (I know I’ll be having a double slice of cheesecake later) Take Care and Aloha —Drew |
Whether it’s pedaling a bicycle on a winding country road, hiking a beautiful
stretch of coastline, surfing or kayaking in the wild and woolly surf, or just stretching
out and improving your stroke on the tennis court, Cambria has it. For the active outdoor
person, it’s easy to stay busy here. Bicycling is a fantastic way
to productively waste a couple of hours. One of the nicer rides is through the rural
farmhouses on Santa Rosa Creek Road. From Cambria village, travel south on Main St. just
past the end of the business district, and Make a left onto Santa Rosa Creek Road. About a
quarter mile down this road, the Coast Union High school makes a good landmark. Once past
the high school, just keep on pedaling. This is where the ride gets nice. Many farms and
old rustic houses grace this road. This ride can be long or short, your
choice. The road winds for 14 miles, and eventually comes out at highway 46. Expect the
going to get tough as you ascend the final hill. If you make it you will be rewarded with
tremendous view of the canyon, valley and all the way to the Pacific ocean. If riding 28
miles seems a little excessive, just turn around wherever you want. This road is narrow,
but traffic is light. Be sure to always keep your eyes and ears open though. Who knows,
you might even notice that deer looking at you from fifteen feet off the road.
You'll see Ollie Fiscalini's cows for sure. 
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