Thursday, Mar 14 - Two days on route 1, the coast-hugging highway that provides some of the most amazing driving in North America. We started out from Pismo Beach, had a stop at Morrow Bay, another at the reception center of the Hearst Castle. And then we hit the ups and downs of the road, narrow, switchbacks, tough climbs, sharp descents, and all along the way, the urge to pull over to a viewpoint for yet another photo. It is truly breathtaking, and if you haven't done it, we hope you get the chance.

We finished the day at Carmel, sad that Clint wasn't available to have us for tea. We drove into town, but had to dodge trees to avoid ripping the aircon off, and found the town packed with cars and people. Not sure why it was so busy, but it was packed. We couldn't find a place to park, so left to find our rv park in a little valley 6 miles north of town. We were there three years ago, and until we got there, I had no recollection of the place. Old age and fading memories.

Today, we had in mind to get through San Fran on route 1, determined as I am to continue our trek on the shoreline highway. But we didn't get to SF, let alone through it. Here we are at Half Moon Bay, in a shore front park right beside the highway. We poked along, with stops at a couple of interesting places, one a sheltered beach backed by high cliffs, and secondly at the old Pigeon Point Light Station (we would say light house). Built in 1872, it has saved many a ship during its lifetime, but is now in disrepair, and in need of funding to be restored. The original light, probably 10 feet tall, made of more than 1,000 pieces of finely honed glass, is on display, and is a marvel of mathematical and physical ingenuity. It was powered by candlelight which the glass panels refracted to push light out over 5 miles to sea. Fed by kerosene, it had a wick which had to be trimmed by the keeper, who became known as the 'wicker'.

As the afternoon was progressing, we decided to find a place south of SF, rather than facing rush-hour traffic. So here we are, at a rather unusual place that provides wifi, t.v.,, sewage, but no washrooms. All for 65 bucks. But it's right on the shore, and has a bike path adjacent to it, so it enabled us to do a ride out to Pilllar Point, and then rewarded us with a stop at the Half Moon Brewhouse. All in all, a pretty decent day.

Can't get the photo option to work, so will have to close for now. More later. Stay tuned.