West Coast SF to LA Highway Number one

Monday, 25^th August

Number 1 Highway

Staying overnight in Monterey, Ca, led to a `sleep in’ and a casual tour around the town, learning of its history. The Royal Presidio Chapel was the first stone church to be built in California. Founded by Father Junipera Serra in 1770. The date took my interest, as at the same time the Spanish/Mexicans were founding colonies in Cal., Captain Cook was discovering the east coast of Aust.

We drove down Cannery Row made famous by John Steinbeck’s book -`Cannery Row’, explored a large antique outlet – a warehouse full of treasures. I chatted to the owner, discussing the goods coming from the deceased estates. After I told him that we run a `Thrift shop’- that is the name for our `Op shops’. He told me that he sells on line eg he put a chinese bowl on Ebay – put $99 on it and it made $16,000!!!!!!!! I need someone who will do the selling for us.

I had my eye on a lovely coffee shop. In the same vicinity, table and chairs were set out on a large patio overlooking the sea, bathed in sunshine and blue sky. We ordered coffee and eats. While Ian was waiting for the order he notices a warning sign `food served in this store may cause cancer’!!!!!!!!!!! – taking health warnings to the extreme.

Out on the road travelling south, it did not take long for the scenery took our breath away and I felt emotional again with the beautyof the cliff faces dropping into the sea. We are travelling on Highway No 1, down the west coast of California. It is built into cliff faces which in places drop into the sea a 1000 feet. At one spot, I can hear the seals barking but could not see them. Another tourist points them out, way, way, down on a big rock, I can just make them out – zoom in and lo and behold I have a photo.

We stopped for lunch at Big Sur Camping Ground. We pay $10 for the privilege of entering the National Park. While having a pleasant picnic and a rest we watched squirrels and the bird in the photo. Check with Mr Google and it is a Steller’s Jay, “Pacific coast” form -,Large, stocky, crow-like songbird, black upper body transitioning to deep, iridescent blue on wings and belly, tall, spiky crest.

I had to sit very still for him to come and get the crumbs I had put out. –good rest for me.

The road continued enthralling us, until we finally stopped for the night at San Simeon Lodge– with me asleep – I desperately tried to stay awake for the scenery but just at the last –I was out like alight. All credit to Ian for his marvellous driving – twists and turns all the way.