Travelers Keep Central Coast Christmas Tradition Despite The Weather
OCEANO, Calif. (KEYT) - Travelers from all over the country are keeping their traditional Central Coast destination, in spite of one of the largest rainstorms the holiday has seen in recent memory.
For anyone who lives in the midwest or mountain regions, the usual warmth of the Central Coast has significant drawing power for the Christmas holiday.
But this year was certainly different.
On Christmas Eve the rain pounded many areas of the coast.
The aftermath is ankle-deep or more in many places across Santa Barbara and SLO counties, and more rain fell on Christmas day.
“This is probably the second wettest that we've seen it down here, especially during this week or two time period,” says Chas Stricker, comes here every Christmas from his home in Montana.
Locals are marveling at the rainfall, saying they can't remember the last time Christmas day saw this kind of weather.
“But this is a gorgeous day,” says area local “Pismo Mike” Bulen. “People complain about the crowds. This is the perfect day to come to the beach. There's no crowds. It's empty. Sure you got a bundle up, but it's the beach. You know, you do what you got to do to keep warm.”
Pismo Beach and the Oceano Dunes remain a traditional holiday destination for many travelers from parts of the country that see snow during the winter.
“It's been really nice weather,” says Stricker. “I mean, other than a little bit of rain, it's been nice and toasty. I mean, we've seen it down here where it's close to 32. And this year, I think our lowest was like 51. So we've had the windows open and wear as little as I can without getting arrested.”
A portion of Highway 1 just north of Guadalupe has been shut down due to standing water and thick mud.
The closure occurs at the intersection of Oso Flaco Lake Road, and one vehicle appeared to have veered off the road.
Cal Trans officials said it would remain closed overnight, and be re-assessed Friday morning.
Travelers still say the rain doesn’t phase them, and it is still worth the trip from inland portions of the country that are seeing conditions worse than this.
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