by Roe Yeager

Over the past month the shift in energy has been renewing. The summer months bring a crazy, busy, tourist energy that is palpable and at times a bit difficult to bare. This ends up permeating most of the Central Coast communities and at times we locals feel a bit overwhelmed. We sometimes get caught up in it and become anxious and cranky ourselves.

Now that it is October and we have had a month of settling down, our little town feels the way one might think a small coastal town would feel. Calm, friendly, slow-paced, and quaint in its own way. I feel relaxed as I walk the various streets and walkways around town. I can meander and again enjoy the slow paced walks that lead to pondering the many joys of this area.

The shop owners and wait people are also much calmer and relaxed and can actually breathe throughout their days. They are able to stop and chat a bit without the tense impatience of tourists and their immediate wants. They are smiling again as they go about their work. This is so nice to see and feel.

The few tourists that are here now are from other country's and states and are grateful to be able to experience our little area for what it is. A treasure. I spoke with a charming young couple from Germany with a seven-month-old daughter. They had been down to Los Angeles and up to San Francisco and were thrilled to be in our town. They appreciated the near-empty streets and walkways and the temperate climate. They said they liked our area the most so far. They are on their way to Hawaii for a few days and then back to the mainland for another week before returning home. I suspect this area will remain their favorite of their adventures to the United States.

Another woman, from Texas, was so excited with our town and the French Bakery, she said she had never seen such a beautiful area. She struggled containing herself over all the wonderful things she had seen and experienced since being here. She really wanted to stay longer though had to head north for other commitments.

I am so grateful I get to stay here during the fall, winter, and spring seasons. These, for me, are the best times of the year to experience the Central Coast. Right now the days and nights are mostly clear. Slight breezes during the days keep the temperatures comfortable and just sitting and watching the clouds change shapes can keep one entranced for hours.