I went to the central coast (aka wine country, aka Santa Maria, aka farmland) for the 1st time this past weekend. It has a beauty that is all it’s own and stands up against any of the places I have visited. It took me about 4 days to realize why I was so attracted to it. I was riding my bike up a canyon through some farms when I realized it reminded me of Toscana Italy. About 11 years ago I spent 2 months there working at a photography workshop and wandering around in a place called Bibbiano, Capolona Arezzo, Toscana, Italy. That was a very formative experience, and still is one of my favorite places on earth. Cayucos, Santa Maria and Pismo Beach are right up there now after visiting. Some highlights which are represented here: Santa Maria sand dunes, Hearst Castle, Cayucos and the Goonies Rock!
