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Strawberry Pickers
I wouldn't want their job, but I'm sure glad someone picks those strawberries! CHAPTER 20 TRAVELS WITH CALI--CALIFORNIA
May 14: Today I am headed for the coast. I drove through some of the agricultural area of California. They grow some of everything along the road I took, including strawberries, apricots and cherries. Fortunately, there were roadside stands so I could purchase some of these goodies. I also took pictures of the strawberry pickers. What a backbreaking job they have!
Santa Barbara was the first city I came to on the coast. They had a big fire around the area just last week. The firefighters had it only 10% under control when a moist weather front moved in and helped them get it out. Santa Barbara itself looked untouched, but I could see the dark, burned areas on the hills behind it. I tried to get some pictures, but could not find a good place to park where I could get a good view. I liked this city. It was clean and was in a beautiful location between the hills and the ocean.
I stopped at the family camp at Vandenburg Air Force Base for the night. They had a small, but very nice center. The people were friendly there and I enjoyed
Foggy Golf
These golfers were not going to let a little fog stop them! talking to some of them. I was tired, so did not go down to the beach area.
May 15: Today I continued my drive along the coast until I reached Morro Bay. It was such a beautiful area, I decided to stop early and stay in the state park there. My camp site was across from the sailboat docking area in a grove of eucalyptus trees. These trees do not look like the ones I am used to, small trees with little round, silvery leaves. These trees were huge and had long, slender leaves. They shed their rough looking bark each year, leaving silvery trunks and a wonderful eucalyptus smell. I loved being in that grove of trees.
Morro Bay is named after Morro Rock, the tip of a volcanic mountain that rises up out of the bay. The afternoon I arrived, the fog had rolled in, so I couldn’t see it. I walked around, however, took pictures and visited a small museum on the place. There was a golf course next to the campground and I took a picture of some men playing in the fog.
May 16: I got up to a beautiful morning with
Morro Rock
This is the tip of a vocanic rock in the bay named after it. a blue sky. When I walked over to the shoreline, there was Morro Rock. I was astonished by its size, especially when I hadn’t been able to see it at all the day before. Clouds were already gathering at the top when I snapped some pictures.
I considered Morro Bay my kick off point for the Monterey drive. The mileage from the Bay to the town of Monterey is about 120 miles. I thought I could do that in four or five hours. It took me seven! Several people didn’t recommend the road for an RV, but I’ve been told I am stubborn. I wanted to drive it! Actually, it wasn’t a bad road at all. It was every bit as curvy as I had heard. The main reason it took me so long was stopping for pictures. I hit just about every pull-off vista there was! Arnie would have It was a gorgeous day with no wind. I would not have taken that road if there had been as much wind as had been last week.
I can’t describe how incredibly beautiful this drive is. Every curve brought new, wonderful sights. It was everything I always thought
Monterey Coastline
Some of the beautiful scenery along the Monterey Highway. it would be. I hope some of the photos I posted will be worth a thousand words.
One of the most interesting stops was a beach where the seals come to rest. There were hundreds of them laid out all along this beach. They looked at first like they were dead, then a tail or flipper would pop up, flicking sand on their bodies. This is the way they keep cool and keep bugs from bothering them. What klutzy motion they have on land to be so sleek and beautiful in the water!
Cali--I didn't see any seals, but I sure watched a chipmunk pretty close! I was laying on top of the dashboard and he couldn't see me. Little beggar was getting food from the sightseers. Well, while Mommy is raving about all the sights, I just wanted everybody to know I'm still around! Late in the afternoon I reached Big Sur and Big Sur Point with the lighthouse. It was an emotional moment for me. I think I read about Big Sur in the eight grade and have always wanted to see it. Finally, by the grace of God, I was here. I know well
Sleeping Seals
Not dead, but sleeping/sunning. I never thought I would see so many seals in one place! how few people get to achieve a dream they have and I know I am one of the really blessed!
The day, however, was not over yet. I reached the town of Monterey and took the 17 mile drive around Pebble Beach. Arnie, this part is for you. Every year the golf season starts with the Pro-am at Pebble Beach and the TV always has these glorious pictures. Actually, Pebble Beach is not one, but six golf courses. Two of the most beautiful areas were closed to the public because the seals were whelping. But I saw some of the beautiful scenes so familiar on TV. I think Arnie was looking at them with me.
While I was in the area, I drove through Carmel-by-the-Sea. I didn’t see Clint Eastwood who lives there and used to be the mayor--but I saw thousands of other people. Never go to Carmel on a Saturday night when they are having a big art festival!! It was no place for an RV! I finally got out of there, found a shopping center in Sand City about 20 miles down the road and crashed for the night. One tired, but very happy lady.
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Amber
non-member comment
Amazing
I just think it is amazing how much you did on this trip. And I was getting teary reading this entry. I am so glad you didn't let anything stop you from touring the country. I bet Arnie would get a big kick out of it, and who knows, maybe God is showing him a few of your adventures from above. Morro Rock is so huge! And I'm just looking at the picture. I can't imagine what it looks like in person. And I've always wanted to see Pebble Beach. I love hearing about your trips, and about Cali's! Love, Amber