Miles May 31st and June 1st: 342 Total Miles: 3701
May 31st
The squeak in the steering was just that; I was ready to get back on the road after a little tightening, an oil change, and $96 later. I did a cursory check of the fluid and tire pressure.That’s when I discovered the passenger front was down to 23.5 pounds. To make a long story short, a previous repair to the tire was failing. That resulted in the replacement of the two of the Mustang’s tire. Total repair bill for the day: $311.
It was already late in the day, so I made what progress I could. On my way up Highway 1, I spotted sign for elephant seals. You’ll find these beasts about 7 miles north of San Simeon. It’s quite a sight to see them waddle, cackle and lazily pile, sleeping on the beach. Plug your nose though, the stench is quite lofty.
June 1st
I stopped the night before at Plaskett Creek campground, about 30 miles south of Big Sur. I had a great time, and learned how to properly create a campfire courtesy of my camp neighbors. Friday was the continuation of yet more driving along the magnificent California coast.The drive was patterned with numerous stops to take pictures; around every bend, I was in awe of yet another beautiful vista.
My stop in San Francisco was brief – to take a token picture of the Golden Gate. I crossed the bridge into Sausalito. I was fascinated by an entire marina of eternally anchored houseboats. Next I was on to Sonoma, neighbor to Napa.
I snagged a spectacular cottage room at the Lodge At Sonoma by Renaissance. Courtesy goes to Priceline.com, where I got a rate about one quarter the market rate. The cottage room was amazing. I decided to take advantage of the event by dining on pizza and a fine glass of a Sonoma Pinot by the fireplace, soak in the tub while reading a book, and then showered three days of grime from my legs and arms.After many days on the road, this little vacation from the Great Drive is exactly what I needed.
Empty hand…after that place took all your money to fix your car!
What a bummer!
Drive safe on the PCH…
By: Ed on June 3rd, 2007 at 9:09 pm
Thanks for the elephant seal footage That’s not the big reserve I told you about, but it’s still cool. I think the big one is on an island anyway, which is probably expensive to get out to.
If I’d been there I probably would’ve gone through more than one roll of film on the beasties. I have lots of photos of california sea lions from my trip to San Francisco in 1995.
By: Amy Deveau on June 4th, 2007 at 10:22 am
I just finally found the info. It is on the mainland, but you have to pay (only $6/car) to get into the reserve, and then you need a permit (issued at the reserve) to go view the seals (no mention of cost). Earlier in the year, through the end of March, instead of a permit you can only see them by guided tours which are only $5 per adult. I’d have to go when the permit is required, so I could stay however long I wanted to get my photos
That’s not the big reserve I told you about, but it’s still cool. I think the big one is on an island anyway, which is probably expensive to get out to.