A bargain hunting week up the California coast

...that you can't buy presents for yourself right before a holiday. As it turns out, I kept the boogie board I bought for myself and in a convenient twist we decided that we had each given each other a boogie board as an anniversary present.

We had a lot of fun catching waves on our new boards. (Going to the beach is cheap!) And we found they were also great for blocking the wind at Pismo Beach.

In San Luis Obispo we walked up and down the small city grid, poking into used bookstores and shops filled with handmade goods like wooden jewelry boxes.

At Bel Frites a $5 snack special caught our eye. A Lincoln bought us a Stella Artois and a basket of fries with either chili or garlic. But it was only 11 am. A very tough decision.

We debated our choice as seriously as presidential candidates consider the economy before settling on chili. We did not regret it. The chili was slightly spicy with whole black and kidney beans and chunks of tomato. The fries were tres crisp. Yum.

At Morro Bay we rented a two-person kayak ($12/hour vs. $18/hour for individual kayaks) and survived the "divorce boat," as the tour guide called it. After five years of marriage we were able to coordinate our paddling and agree on a destination. All that counseling has been worth it!

We paddled to a sand dune, crossed it and found a deserted beach perfect for skinny dipping. I would share pictures, but both my parents read this blog. And my boss. And you. Instead, here's a big ol' seal we encountered.

If there is one place I want to return, it is Cambria. The natural beauty is astounding. We splurged on a $150/night hotel room at the Sea Otter Inn that had four windows looking onto the ocean. It would have been an even bigger splurge if I hadn't been able to talk them down by 42%. Here is our view from the patio chairs in front of the room, where we ate many meals.

We did not spend too much time in town because although the shops were cute, they were filled with overpriced touristy items. I'd rather catch a wave.

The drive up Highway 1 to Big Sur State Park was windy and the road took us high above a treacherous cliff. But the view was gorgeous. When we made it up to the park, which still has many closed areas due to the massive fires this summer, we pitched a tent ($25/night) and took a hike.

In many places ash covered the ground and blackened trees held onto toasted red leaves. A few green shoots poked through - new life.

The river near our Big Sur camping site was, in a word, frigid. I debated going in for some time before taking the plunge. Funny how such cold water really wakes you up and makes you feel alive!

At the end of the week we were happy that we had been able to take such a fun vacation that was very cheap. Sticking to a budget freed us from worrying about how we were going to pay for everything.

What we learned:

+Stick to one sit down meal a day to really keep expenses down. This is a lot easier if you pick a hotel with a complimentary breakfast.

+Make hotel reservations in advance so you can negotiate the best rate.

+Buy groceries at big stores before you head into the woods. Little grocery store = very expensive.