Felicity Arvizu takes on...

I have been to the central coast of California many times, but I have never camped. I have had the opportunity to stay in beautiful hotels and Airbnbs, but I have never camped! I wish I would have known sooner about the Heart San Simeon Campsite because I would have camped!

After stopping at California Fresh Market in Pismo Beach to peruse their delightful selection of beers and spirits; we continued the awe-inspiring drive along the 101 to Highway 1.

When we arrived at the site, I was impressed by the views in the Creek Campground Upper Section (sites 1-35). Most of the sites have peek-a-boo views of the ocean or a direct view of the ocean. According to the California Department of Parks and Recreation this is one of the oldest parks in the system, but it doesn’t show its age. The facilities are well taken care of and very clean. The camp host has firewood for sale and there is even a horseshoe pit in the lower camping section.

We had our usual set-up with the Tepui tent by Thule and a couple of Yeti coolers to keep the beers cool. We were lucky enough to have a site with a tree and a peek-a-boo view of the ocean. This allowed for the blissful sounds of the ocean as we fell asleep and magnificent views when we woke up in the morning.

The beauty of the site came once we walked down to the lower campground and discovered it leads out to a breathtakingly beautiful and serene beach.

We were able to sit and listen to waves in complete peace and quiet. It was a beautiful place to connect with nature and witness its majesty.

We were lucky enough to make a new and very wise friend when we returned to our campsite. This wise new friend was smart enough to make this area her home. I only wish I would have known sooner because I would have camped.

In the midst of a global pandemic many people have taken to improving themselves mentally, physically, and spiritually. I have watched countless Ted Talks, workout videos, and self-help gurus throughout this time only to realize that I needed an activity that combines all three. Allow me to introduce…brewing beer! I figured brewing beer would be a good mental exercise. I would have to measure things, weigh things, and work on ratios. I figured brewing beer would be good physical activity. Have you seen the size of the fermenting vessels in your local brewery? Some one has to lift all of that liquid into those vessels! I figured brewing beer would be good spiritually. If monasteries started brewing in the fifth century then this most have some spiritual significance, right?

Truth be told, I know nothing about beer other than I LOVE stouts and porters. I know the world loves I.P.A.s and I seem like an old out of touch hag every time I order one, but I don’t think there is anything better than a delicious stout, anytime or anywhere. A friend of ours has been brewing for several years and invited us over to teach us how to brew beer.

I was shocked to see this when we pulled into his driveway…

It looked like a science experiment my mom tried to “help” me with for my second grade science fair. I couldn’t help but wonder; how does this make beer? And if this makes beer, why am I am going to fancy breweries and spending money on stuff I can make with a propane tank? There was a table next to this contraption that had bags of stuff on it. I looked around for hops, yeast, and barley. I don’t know much about brewing, but I have experienced the Smithwick’s Experience in Ireland and the hologram monk said there were hops, barley, and yeast in beer. The lesson from the hologram monk comes before the tasting experience, so I have been able to remember it since my visit.

Apparently, the hologram monk didn’t know that all of the ingredients are widely available in prepackaged kits with clear and explicit directions on how to brew beer.

Thankfully, our friend Dave is an expert at brewing beer. He bought all the stuff and began to teach us the lengthy process involved in brewing beer.

We started out by hanging a cheese cloth bag inside the brewing vessel and poured the ingredients into the bag and allowed it to soak. After soaking all of the ingredients for the required time we had to stir the ingredients.

Stirring to ensure all ingredients are covered in water

You really want to ensure everything is sanitary, so we had a bucket of cleaner next to us to clean all utensils after every use.

You want to ensure your beer reaches the required temperature so make sure your brewing vessel has a thermometer. It makes it easier to monitor the temperature of the contents during the brewing process.