Central Cali Walkabout

Having lots of time on my hands this year, I had yet to really take advantage and travel like you always dream about when you are trapped behind a desk. Last weekend I was finally able to blaze a trail out of the LA metro area and hit the open roads of central California. Though hot this time of year I always enjoy the open fields and wide open skies. Up I-5 to Lost Hills and the 46 where you climb out of the central valley and eventually into wine country and Paso Robles. I have fond memories of PR because of the fun times spent at Lake Nacimiento years back. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lake_Nacimiento Taking the 101 North now, the highway seems to go on forever. I stop in King City for a food break and to give my motor coach a breather. Back on the hwy up to Salinas the coastal fog brings a lovely cooling sensation. Now I cut toward the coast and roll through Castroville "the artichoke center of the world", I never knew there was such a place. Slow going up to Santa Cruz I finally stop for gas. 377mi on 13.3gal not to shabby. I was close, Pigeon Point was only 30min or so away. A few minutes out got a great view of the sunset over the cliffs and ocean, it was lovely. Keeping my eyes peeled for the lighthouse it was hard to spot as the coastal fog rolled in, but I did catch it on the first pass. Checking in, I got my key to my dorm room. Dropping off my goods, I headed out with my camera to check out the area. It was tough going though with the sunlight fading and the fog thickening. I was also a bit disappointed that the lighthouse is no longer fully lit, but it was still sweet to see it doing it's thing in the fog. After a day of driving I skipped attempting to find a bar and called it a night.

The next morning I walked around the grounds again and read up on the lighthouse. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pigeon_Point_Lighthouse After checking out I headed back towards Santa Cruz for some food. Found a great local spot outside of town, and enjoyed pancakes, eggs and sausage. After eating I headed for the redwoods. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Henry_Cowell_Redwoods_State_Park Flashback to when I was a kid, right next to the park is Roaring Camp which is a old school train that goes up and around the mountains. I choose not to relive the past, but it was still a blast to see them chugging around. After hitting the small info station I made my way into the giant redwoods. It was great being in the shade out of the heat and hiking next to the river. So quiet and peaceful, it made me wish for lush forests closer to home. After several hours of hiking I started to make my way back to the car. I do wish I had all this right in my back yard.