Things That Are Bothering You, Got You All Hibbeldy-Jibbeldy, or just downright pissed, RIGHT NOW!

[Numbernine]

We've gone whale watching out of Newport Beach several times instead of going to the islands, but I'd love to do a SCUBA trip there sometime. I think @SixOhNine mentioned that he's done that.

Best diving is to the islands off Santa Barbara or Ventura. I've been there dozens of times both in my own boats and with group charters. Also out of San Diego and Long Beach. Pm me if you want any info.

 

[patrickBOOTH]

Appears to be so.

I am sorry to hear this. Fortunately there are very convincing prosthetics for this to aid in your balance.

 

[Omega Male]

no but srsly is that Austin Hope **** with the cheesy ass label actually good--you PasoBros have actually gotten me curious

(there's no chance in hell I'm shelling out $100 Booker Grenache or whatever it is you drink but I could do $45)

It is really good for the price if you like that kind of profile -- ie. dark fruits, coffee, chocolate etc.

https://www.sanluisobispo.com/living/food-drink/wine-beer/article225350275.html

Another up-and-coming Central Coast producer to check out would be Levo.

Levo Vineyard | Distinctive Wines from Tin City, Paso Robles

Levo Vineyard is a testament to Willow Creek's terroir and pioneering soul. Explore distinctive Rhône wines, capturing Paso Robles' spirit.

www.levowine.com

 

[erictheobscure]

hmm, the coffee / chocolate profile is really not my thing

i'll look into levo

 

[double00]

We've gone whale watching out of Newport Beach several times instead of going to the islands, but I'd love to do a SCUBA trip there sometime. I think @SixOhNine mentioned that he's done that.

the terrestrial side of things is well worthwhile if you can access, there is an abundance of island endemic flora and fauna, the scrub jays are enormous and the foxes are tiny (there used to be a population of pygmy mammoths before humans figured out how tasty they are), there are many species of plants that have gone extinct on the mainland but endure on the islands. interestingly, most species have evolved to not require scarification by fire, etc. you can see virtually every species of california oak in one place (including the ancient tomentosa) since the first visitors apparently traded in acorns. it's like a funhouse mirror of california ecology and reasonably unspoiled. a galapagos next to the riviera.

 

[jcman311]

hmm, the coffee / chocolate profile is really not my thing

i'll look into levo

Haha, teh booth hates it because its too sweet. I like my light delicate pinots but a Paso cab is really unlike the wines I grew up drinking (if that makes sense ??‍♂️)

 

[wojt]

Haha, teh booth hates it because its too sweet. I like my light delicate pinots but a Paso cab is really unlike the wines I grew up drinking (if that makes sense ??‍♂️)

That Paso Cab from Austin Hope was so amazing, I'm so glad I picked it up while in US, it's unavailable here and even if it was it would be probably 50% more expensive. What bothers me is that I took only one bottle with me!

 

[Piobaire]

For me Paso = Rhone blends.

Making me hibbeldy is I haven't driven in the LA area since 2015 and I forgot what total assholes the drivers are here and what a parking lot the 405 is.

 

[erictheobscure]

eh, growing up in l.a. and hearing all the talk about our traffic made me believe that other cities must not have similar issues. traffic is a nightmare in every other american city i've subsequently lived in.

to be fair, i don't drive on the 405 unless i absolutely have to for some reason.

 

[double00]

pch>405 but LA is not nearly as bad as SF bay area.

 

[Omega Male]

Can confirm that 101 blows. My worst memory of traffic though was living in DC years ago -- I-66 and The Beltway. Fuuuuuck.

 

[Numbernine]

I retired 14 years ago every time I go over to the Bay area I am amazed at how bad the traffic has gotten. I can remember the first rush hour stop and go in San Jose back in the early 70s. It was at the intersection of 101 and ( then 17 now 880) . Lasted @30 minutes heading north in the morning and @30 minutes south in the afternoon.

 

[imatlas]

The Bay is busting at the seams but the 405 is like a whole other dimension of traffic. You get on and enter the Twilight Zone. Years may go by before you reach your exit, and everyone has forgotten you even exist by the time you get to your destination.

 

[beargonefishing]

I just want autopilot for traffic so I can play angry birds instead of dealing with assholes.

 

[SixOhNine]

We've gone whale watching out of Newport Beach several times instead of going to the islands, but I'd love to do a SCUBA trip there sometime. I think @SixOhNine mentioned that he's done that.

Not me; I can't scuba and I've never been to those islands.

Sounds cool, tho.