Holiday to Pacific West Coast in Jun 2012: Day 9 – Pismo Beach to Monterrey

Woken by a phone call from a private number at either 1am or 3am (can’t remember which) – forgotten to turn the phone onto silent.  Ignored it and tried to go back to sleep.  It was a little hot so wasn’t a very productive night’s sleep.

Anyway got down to breakfast at about 7:30am and it was a proper buffet breakfast and we filled up on the normal fare on the basis that we would have a fruit lunch and a light dinner.

Got on the road about 9am and this was the real Highway 1 road trip day.  It included Big Sur and some of the best, most stunning coastline in the US.  It started really misty and didn’t completely clear all day.  There were some clear spells which were great.  The coastline is rugged and beautiful.

We arrived in Cambria looking for coffee – no chance of a Starbucks here.  After filling up with fuel, we found a fab little place called Linn’s which sold cakes and preserves using a fruit called Olallieberry – a cross between raspberry and blackberry. 

Vick had an olallieberry oat bar and I had a huge Lemon Meringue pie.

We had a long debate at this place about whether we recognised it.  Vick was sure she knew the place – I asserted that it was nothing like I remember and I could clearly described exactly what the Cambria was like that we stopped 6 years ago.

Vick kept reminding me we hadn’t seen the whole main street yet.  Once we had finished our coffee we headed down the main street and low and behold, the main street extends into the place that I remember.  So Vick was right, as usual.

Once out of Cambria, we came across the Elephant Seal Viewing Area.  This is a small reserve where the public are fenced off from the beach, whilst elephant seals lie around, sleep, spar and make funny deep gurgling noises – a bit like Nige when he’s asleep. 

They use this area as their home, breeding, giving birth and moulting there, it’s great so see them in a totally natural environment.

The hood stayed up to start with and finally came down after we had stopped for lunch just after the official Big Sur point on the map.  A long discussion was had as to whether Big Sur really exists as a place, or whether it was just an area. 

Technically it is just a region of coast (and inland), but there is a place on the map (with a specific dot) which says Big Sur.  So the independent arbiter adjudged Mrs B to be correct on this matter again.

We finally arrived at Monterey to check in to the HGI at 2:30pm.  Our top floor room wasn’t ready so we decided to head back to Point Lomo State Reserve, which was amazing – fantastic scenery, sea lions and otters.  We got some fab photos and got a good walk in.

Back to the hotel we settled in, had a swim, tried the spa and then went out to find a “salad” for dinner in Monterey.  Walked into Monterey and ended up at the Thai restaurant that we had eaten at 6 years ago. 

Very nice – the owner didn’t recognise us though which we were disappointed about!!!

So after a fruit lunch (really!!), light dinner (really!!) we have completely stuffed ourselves all day. 

The only good thing is that we have done a fair amount of exercise at the same time.  We promise to be better tomorrow. 

Oh and we had a cookie (provided free by the hotel) with a cup of coffee last thing before bed.

Stats for Day 9: 160 miles.

Plan for tomorrow is to chill out in Monterey – we will probably go to a shopping mall and look around Monterey.  The following day will be a heavy driving day to get to Yosemite.

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