Moss Landing | Phil's Fish Market

Moss Landing, California: We had a few more days with the family in Merced, then headed over to the coast. Today, we had a terrible drive, but a great day. We have no one, but ourselves, to blame. Anyone who drives on Memorial Day is insane (unless they have to be to work/school the next morning). Traffic was TERRIBLE! But, the weather was wonderful and we took the back roads from the San Joaquin Valley to the beach. There was never a moment all day when we were not in view of a crop: stone fruit, almonds, lettuce, garlic, onions, artichokes, or strawberries. I could pretty-much guarantee something on your table tonight was grown in the San Joaquin Valley.

It was ten degrees cooler at the ocean, and quite enjoyable! We are staying in a nice campground on a marina, Moss Landing. A very relaxing spot after that horrid drive. We set-up camp (!) and walked over the bridge to the spit and could hear the sea lions barking on the docks.

Sea Lions next to the Monterey Aquarium research vessel


The Tina Louise, selling fresh fish from her deck

There were also sea lions playing in the surf at the beach! I swear one sea lion was watching a black lab fetch, but I can't be sure! It was a beautiful day at the beach - many families picnicking. Later, we drove up to a few produce stands and purchased cherries and apricots. Delicious - for our breakfast. This is artichoke country, but the end of the season. Still, we saw gorgeous Globe Artichokes - perfectly green and huge! We also drove up to the cemetery, as when we passed-by earlier, it was a beautiful sight completely covered with huge American flags on every Veterans grave. But, when we arrived, every flag was gone! Still, our thoughts and prayers and Heartfelt Gratitude to all Our Boys and Girls who have given their life in service of This Great & Beautiful Country.

Beachcomber in Moss Landing

There is a famous restaurant in Moss Landing - Phil's Fish Market & Eatery - where we dined tonight. It is kinda like a beach-shack place where you order from a menu written on a chalkboard. They give you a number and you find a table and, in a few, they bring your meal to your table. It is a food parade! I guess Phil doesn't own a tray, as he has two-to-three servers carry each dish individually to your tables. Gigantic bowls of clam chowder, heaping platters of fried fish and massive piles of shellfish passed by our table tonight. Phil's Fish Market is famous for their Cioppino, which you can order to be shipped to your house!

Phil's - on the beach

 
Charbroiled Halibut Dinner - and Linguine with shrimp, clams, mussels, crab and scallops

Tonight, we have been away 70 nights!

RV Park: Moss Landing RV Park (NOTE: Now a KOA.)