I hadn’t visited San Gregorio State Beach since I was very young, and after writing about it (here), I suddenly had the urge.

The parking lot, the cliffs, the colors, the vastness, the vibe, and the pond were not at all how I remembered.

My daughter and I brought a few snacks, and I told her my memories about the place as we made our way down to the beach.

It was less crowded than Half Moon Bay State Beach; well, fewer people, more birds(seagulls and pelicans). The sand, though littered with baby crab shells, was much gentler on our bare feet.

While my daughter and I walked along the beach, we spotted a crab lodged in the sand. We tried to help him, but he seemed damned determined to be seagull food.

Overall, San Gregorio was much more relaxing than HMB even later in the day when crowds of people started showing up.

On the way back to my car, my mouth flooded with the taste of ham and cheese sandwich. I hadn’t had one in years. I realized that KFC was not our only staple during childhood beach trips. In fact, we may have only had it only once. Childhood trips to the beach often included sandwiches; salami, ham, and cheese (and dare I admit bologna?); all on white bread and bathed in condiments. I preferred PB&J.

My daughter retreated to the car while I climbed up the cliff to get a few more photos.

Rounding out the trip down memory lane was a stop at a food-stand, off E-92 for some honeycomb.  Did you know you can put it in your coffee?