5 Chipmunks, 4 Elephant Seals, 3 hundred miles, 2 Filet Mignons and an irate taxi driver

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Now sing the title to the tune of 12 days of Christmas....! Crap I know but amused us...!!

We thought we would have breakfast at our hotel this morning before we left as we had a 50% off voucher, glad we waited till the last day, it was pretty mediocre really - (Excuse the arrogance, have got used to being spoilt with all this American food!)

We hadn't even driven out the car park and came across our first bit of 'road rage' over here. To be fair we was blocking the exit but only for all off about 30 seconds. This Chinese taxi driver was slaming his horn and making fist signs at nige (he was about 65/70) Nige shouted back 'I'm going, I'm going' this made the cabbie step out the car and come towards us - luckily we had an opening and darted off!

So - What do you do when leaving San Francisco - You drive over the Golden Gate bridge of course, only my advice is, try to do it when its not to foggy! Next up was the 'Richmond Bridge' and then Route 101 which leads in or shares with Route 1 (or as its also known - Pacific Coast Highway) there were a number of viewing points along the route as the road literally winds through right next to the sea, another really scenic route. Most people take 2 weeks to do this - Its probably a bit similar to Route 66 though not as long. We're aiming to do it in 24 hours! More wildlife was spotted - some more Chipmunks/Squirrels then Elephant Seals, Raccoons and even a Skunk! We made a number of stops along the way and all in all to get to our stopover for the night, it ended up a seven and half hour journey. We travelled through some really nice towns - Monterey, Big Sur, Morro bay and then Grover Beach where we are staying.

We checked in, and went across to the bar/restaurant opposite - A J Spurs. Again wasn't to sure what to expect, but it was really nice, particularly the Magaritas and the soup they serve you the minute you sit down - Vaquero soup to which you add Salsa and Tequila beans then you mix it altogether and eat it - Luuuurrrvvvvellly...!!!!!

Nige being Nige attempted the 35oz steak and all trimmings here for a free t-shirt, he had already eaten 3 bowls of soup and a salad, - He made it, and the t-shirt even fits him! Joe being 15 (even if he was 20 it would have been the same) got a free spirograph and a little bowl of vanila ice cream - aahhh - Bless!!! A couple of Margaritas later we then retired back to our room...

Hollywood bears our presence tomorrow!

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Photos

Leaving San Francisco
Views from the streets down to the sea

Start of Route 1
Just before the Golden Gate Bridge

Foggy Golden Gate
Looked pretty cool though

Still Foggy
Still Cool

Richmond Bridge
Has 2 way traffic on seperate levels - Different....

Scene from Route 1
From the car

Squirrel/Chipmunk things
After a fag!

Nige at Willow creek
Another viewpoint on Route 1

Willow Creek
Me & Nige

Elephant Seals
At Piedras Blancas view point. These are 14-16 foot each and weigh 2.5 tons!

Mum at A J Spurs
With her Magarita

Nige with his 35oz
Which he finished

Sunset at Grover Beach
Still in A J's!