Today's trek opened my eyes to the three neighboring towns of Paso Robles, Templeton, and Atascadero that stretch over the 15.8 miles I walked. Dozens of car trips through this area had relegated these 3 towns to map markers and a place to rest and feast at the Atascadero In-N-Out--it was a convenient half-way stop. What I experienced today was remarkable. These towns have a breadth and depth far beyond my imagination--too little space to properly dignify. Paso Robles, of course, started as a rest stop for weary travelers between the missions, a place to recharge in the thermal baths (my story sans baths). Early settlers saw the value in the land to support cattle ranching, apple and almond orchards, and years later, vineyards. An 1864 spa hotel and the railroad coming in 1886, hugely propelled growth. Crocker (one of the San Francisco's Big Four) was to be the new town to the south, but it was named in honor of his son, Templeton. And Atascadero, has the most unbelievable history, being the brainchild of E.G. Lewis. He conceived it as a utopia for the America Woman's Republic (women's suffrage) while he gained from their subscription promotions for his magazine publishing empire. But after 1916, there's nothing to be found of their activities in Atascadero (the 19th amendment wasn't passed until 1920). Absolutely fascinating. I almost stayed at the historic Carlton Hilton for the night--couldn't wrangle a deal that comes close to my austere "Motel 6" good deals! Check out the picture in their lobby, as well as the one of the Atascadero City Hall (Italian Renaissance). I've also included a picture of a Templeton saloon--the town has a distinct western flavor. As a PS, I tried to invoke a shortcut south of Templeton. But I failed to be able to make the steep river bank (the Paso Robles Creek), so I crossed over on the RR bridge (still saved me several miles).
