Day 1: Sunday June 3, 2007 |
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Refugio Beach |
Refugio Beach |
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My first view of the Santa Barbara County Coast. The Lifeguard station housed a classic beach bum surfer type lifeguard who was reminescing surfing conditions with a youngster. This vista provided my first indication that this trip was going to produce just the escape needed. I enjoyed the fresh dampness of the foggy morning ocean air. Refugio Beach was once on the path of a Chamush Indians trading route. Things I missed nearby: Santa Ynez Mountains and Aqua Caliente Spring |
Refugio Beach Lifeguard Tower |
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Trail to Gavitota |
Trail Marker |
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Gaviota Hot Spring |
Gaviota Hot Spring |
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Gaviota Hot Springs is located very near to the junction of US101 and PCH just north of Gaviota Beach. There is a brisk up hill hike of about a mile to the springs themselves. The trail to the spring was beauty in itself. Once to the Spring, I was disappointed with the condition of them and the strong sulpher scent of the water. I would have gotten in if the water had been any warmer than the advertised 90 degrees. The springs looked like they could be a really cool place to have a party with a little upkeep and maintenance. Thing I missed: Gaviota Peak Trail
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Trail to and from the Spring |
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The drive on the way to Pismo Beach was lined with grape vineyards and wineries and Historic Missions. It was as if a piece of Napa had been moved to Southern California. The Quaint and beaucolic views provided yet more releif from grief. This picture is from the 101 near Buellton, CA and was taken from the cab of my pickup while driving. Things I missed: Nojuqui Falls and the wineries. |
HWY 101 S of Buellton |
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Pismo Beach |
Splash Cafe Pismo Beach |
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This seaside town, Pismo Beach was picturesque and happening for a sunday noon. People were lined up down the block to get into the Splash Cafe that claimed it was famous for it's clam chowder. I wondered what other gastronomical delights awaited inside. My curiosity would have to wait way longer than my patience for standing in line. Mark that one down to try at a less busy time. You can always tell a great local eatery by the line to get in. There was also a line of atv's and four wheelers waiting to get into the Oceano Sand Dunes. Apparently this activity has spawned at least one local service to pull folks out when they get stuck. |
Pismo Beach |
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Cerro San Luis Obispo |
Cerro Romulado |
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Bishop Peak |
Morrow Rock |
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Morrow Bay, Morrow Rock and San Luis Obispo - Morrow Bay houses the ancient ruins of a once violent volcanic past, Morrow Rock stands alone against the onslaught of the relentless pacific ocean. As explained by the park ranger (by the way every park had cute young women stationed at the entrances) there are 9 volcanic cones stretching from San Luis Obispo to Morrow Rock, these are called the nine sisters. Hearing this news and deciding I couldn't pass up the opportunity for pictures, I backtracked to San Luis Obispo to take photos of the "Cerros" as they call them. Each one is stunning and different. Pure igneous rock jutting straight out of the earth as if it is frozen in time. On Morrow bay there was an area roped off for the Plover habitat. Local school kids had designed colorful posters warning beach goers to not disturb the plover habitat. I Later met Joe on a closer inspection of Morrow Rock. He was learning to play a different style of guitar. We talked, shared a joke and then I hit the road. |
Morrow Rock |
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Plover Poster |
Morrow Rock Close Up |
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Shamel Park |
Moonstone Beach 1 |
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I heard told that you could find Moonstones. I saw some small rocks that looked like moonstones but none that were worth picking up. Met a fella named David who was strumming his guitar at Shamel Park. He said he had moved back just a couple weeks ago, after a terrible breakup with his girlfriend in Idaho. Of course I could share his pain. I explained the purpose of my own personal quest as well. At Moonstone Beach, I met a middle aged couple who said they were just taking a mini vacation and that this was truly one of the most beautiful and breathtaking sights on earth. I breathed heavily the clean brisk air and enjoyed the view. Things I missed in Cambria: NIT WIT RIDGE and PIEDRAS BLANCAS LIGHTHOUSE |
Moonstone Beach 2 |
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Hearst Castle From PCH |
Elephant Seals Sleeping |
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| Elephant Seals | One restless on in the bunch |
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After leaving Cambria, I took the short drive past the Hearst castle and to the Elephant Seal Viewing Area near Old San Simeon. It was too late in the afternoon for me to tour the castle. Now, I had never seen an elephant seal in my life. These creatures were totally funny. It seemed that they had all tired of their daily hunt for food and were all huddled together on the beach. Occasionally they would cover up with sand, others would create disturbances withing the main group. The noise coming from the throat of one of these creatures sounded like pure flatulance. |
| And the other one gets mad | |
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Los Padres National Forest PCH |
Los Padres National Forest PCH |
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Los Padres National Forest Coast - I stopped at several overlook opportunities while passing to the south of the Big Sur area. I explored a steep camping trail in the Julia Pfeiffer Burns state park, which led to the most amazing views of the trip thus far. Three young women in a minivan stopped at every overlook along with me to take pictures and take in the cool crisp air. As I arrived in Big Sur, the sun was hanging low and the fog was rolling in. I headed to Salinas, CA where I stayed the night. Things I missed: Nepenthe, Esalen Institute, Zen Mountain Center, Jade Cove,
Point Sur Lighthouse and Park. |
Los Padres National Forest PCH |
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Julia Pfeiffer Burns SP |
Julia Pfeiffer Burns SP |
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| Julia Pfeiffer Burns SP |
Julia Pfeiffer Burns SP |
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Julia Pfeiffer Burns SP |
Big Sur Sunset |
All in All, it was a wonderful day, filled with fun, beauty, and education covering 220 miles in 10 hours. |
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This page and photos are property of Scott Bledsoe who may be contacted by email at flacan_2000 at yahoo.com |
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