"Hugging the H2O" Vacation

We checked-out of our Monterey motel this morning and started the 90+ mile drive from there to San Simeon. It's been a long time since we've traveled south on the Big Sur Coast. Just this past Saturday we had driven north on this same stretch of road, but often when we've done this we then head south from an inland route -- usually Highway 101.

This vacation has been tagged "Hug the H2O" and that's what we've been doing. This sounds strange, but Highway #1 looks different when going south. We've pedaled a bicycle twice in the past on this route (from San Francisco to home in southern California's Inland Empire). Today seeing it from the windows of the car and occasionally pulling over at a Vista Point and stepping out to capture a photo was lovely.

Looking back at Carmel was beautiful; seeing the lighthouse on Point Sur was majestic; the Bixby Bridge built in 1932 is always a wonder; the McWay Falls the only West Coast fall that drops into the ocean is thought provoking; and then getting to the coast near San Simeon and seeing thousands of elephant seals (it's birthing season) was our first time ever experiencing this sight.

The sounds of the elephant seals were more rude and crude than a Super Bowl party with adolescent boys. "Rip Snorting" is the best I can do to describe their sounds.

Moments after leaving the seals and the sun setting, we were delighted with the sun's encore as we stood near the San Simeon pier. Then we turned to leave and we could see Hearst Castle high on the hill all lit-up.

I have not constructed a collage for a long time, but today selecting one photo was just more than I was capable of doing, so I took the time to compose this montage.

Tomorrow just south of here we will stop in Cayucos to have lunch with friends, Al & June, who own a retirement home in this "Cowboy Surf Town." They have never been at their vacation home when we've been through here . . . so finally we'll rendezvous with them on the Central Coast.

Good Night from the Central Coast of California.
Rosie (& Mr. Fun and Chloe, Mitzi, and Max), aka Carol

P.S. The three pups are still winning awards for their good behavior while on vacation with us. Because the tempterature has turned quite cold, the pups are extremely glad that we have not left them at a Kenner's Kennel, which is a combo of indoors/outdoors. Actually, the really don't care what the tempterature is, they're just glad to be tagging along. Honest, they haven't complained once.

P.P.S. The 17th is always a good day, and today was definitely a GOOD DAY!