Half Moon Bay

and a visit with Hans at Dry Oasis Plants.  I had purchased a 5 gallon Aloe online, too big to ship.  I've always wanted to go in person, and it's just an hour drive.  Not too shabby!  Look at how immaculate the set-up is,  and so MANY aloes.

Backing up a bit, when we left Livermore we drove by a local "Hands Off" protest.  I've been taking a break from news, for some personal peace and didn't know this was planned.  And another group as we entered Main St. in Half Moon Bay.   

Very peaceful.

And I didn't notice any misspelled words.  ;)

This was a family day, not a "Tracy gets to go to all the nurseries day".  We planned to do a nice walk along the beach trail, and I was allowed the one visit to Dry Oasis.  Hmph.  But first, lunch at Half Moon Brewing Company.  My diet is usually plant heavy + pescatarian-ish.  I couldn't resist fish'n chips and an IPA.  

Sophia ordered the mussels & fries, both were delicious!

And on to the HIGHLIGHT quick stop before our walk, Dry Oasis.  Hans was right inside the door, and it was so fantastic to meet him! The Aloe comptonii caught my eye immediately, love the bicolored flowers.  

Hans said he has been buying up stock from San Marcos to carry on as many Aloes as he can, as SM is sadly closing. I couldn't get over how immaculate it all was.  

Gorgeous!

The kids were trying to get my attention, to show me "the most amazing thing in the entire greenhouse" thinking they found something rare that I must buy... I rushed over to

see an adorable nest of 4 eggs. Mama bird was keeping a keen eye on us. Hans sent an email this morning, saying he hadn't known the eggs were there until the kids found the nest.  He'd been watering the area and wondering why he was getting noisy angry bird calls.

And ta da!  The Aloe I wanted to bring home 'Malibu Peach',  a not so tall  4-5', light peach/orange flowers that open to a cream color.

And on to our walk.  Although it was sunny in Livermore, it was bright & hazy in Half Moon Bay.  The flower show was incredible. 

Some of the stands of Lupines were 4' x4'.

Easter bunny.

A gorgeous Eucalyptus, I peeked around the corner to see the bark.

Ah, beautiful!  We all turned into 10 year olds. 

And took turns on the swing.

Such a fun day. Sophia and I are planning to go back for a visit to Half Moon Bay Nursery and Bay Area orchids, a longer visit to Dry Oasis Plants and as many other places as possible!

  James, Vincent, Sophia, me, Olivia.

Of course I brought home more than one plant.  

Aloes 'Malibu Peach' and 'wickensii'

Also picked up Aloe: comptonii, moonglow (I can't believe I don't have one). Hans was so generous to gift me an Aloe Vaombe when I mentioned I had just killed one.  One of his favorite Aloes as told in  Vaombe's Epic Battle, I guess I'm in good company.  He also mentioned you have to kill a plant 3 times before you should give up.

James's favorite plant in the nursery, Optuntia microdasys albispina.  

My *maybe surviving Vaombe, the red stressed leaves are actually quite dead, but I noticed one tiny green leaf emerging, maybe it was/is ok?

I hope you're having a lovely Easter!  Without a working kitchen, I'm off duty for the typical dinner.  I'll miss it.  I'll still try to work in some chocolate.