After our adventure at Lopez Lake, we returned to Arroyo Grande and all that civilization has to offer. We lazed about for four or five days before setting off for our second camping trip. This time the destination was Rancho Oso, a campground in the the mountains above Santa Barbara. Rancho Oso is more of a resort-style camping mecca, with swimming pools, hot tub, tennis court, horseshoes, horseback riding, and other such amenities. I grew up camping there many times, and have the fondest memories of it. From tent camping to trailer camping, we did it all. Sienna and Spenser have actually been there three times now. The first time they were much younger and probably don't remember much. Sienna was still carrying around Melody, that's how young she was. The second time was last year and the third just commenced. So they can remember it now.
Here are Spenser and Papa, taking a breather and enjoying the sights and sounds.
One nice thing about coming here is that we sleep in a trailer, and that involves a lot less packing. You just throw a few things in the truck and you're off! And there behind us is the 'hotel'.
One of the best things about Rancho Oso was that although you were camping, you could still swim and play tennis! For our tennis playing family, this was a plus. We even hosted tennis teams there, and they enjoyed it immensely. The tennis court wasn't the greatest, but it fit the bill. So it is pretty neat that I'm back at this spot, sharing tennis with my own children.
Once the truck was unpacked, Spenser had to hit the court. Why the sudden enthusiasm for tennis you ask? It probably stemmed from our family tennis day with my cousin Hayley the day after her daughter Maddie's graduation. My Grandma and Tots, cousins Hayley and May, Maddie, Mason, and their uncle all played mixed doubles, along with Spenser. It was Spenser's first real tennis experience with scoring and points and all. He did really well! Here he is with his partner, Eric, my cousin Hayley's husband.
It was really fun to get together and play, as many of us are aging and can't hit the ball like we once could! But to be back on my high school courts where it all began for me was cool. We have several generations of SLO Tiger Tennis players here in this picture!
Perhaps this is the next generation of tennis players?
So I think that's why Spenser caught the tennis bug. Sienna caught it too!
Now back at the ranch or rancho, shall I say, it was time for the kids to hit the court.
Papa was there as coach and mentor.
Due to the proximity of the city of Santa Barbara to Rancho Oso, a trip into town is a must. So we hit the beach.
Here is Sienna on the Santa Barbara pier.
Don't forget me, Papa, and Spenser!
This is what we watched from the pier. Gorgeous view!
Then it was off to dinner at a family favorite restaurant, Giovanni's, then back to camp.
So our camping adventure came to an end. Who knew that all that tennis playing may lead to a whole other kind of adventure? This one involves balls too, but unfortunately, these are misplaced.
