Day 13–Cool, Sunny, and that’s California

It was a picture perfect day because the skies were clear and the temperatures held between 60-68 all day. We pulled out of San Diego and got a good dose of West Coast traffic and most of the time all six lanes were full, dicey, and fast moving. There was not a lot of time to be staring at a GPS while negotiating traffic and watching out for all the Police on Motorcycles. Motorcyclists are motorcyclist and even if they are police on the job, they still give that courteous wave or greeting that all cyclist do with each other. If you happen to stop in the same location by chance, the conversation will immediately turn to motorcycles, which is kind of cool. No, I didn’t speak to one today and I do not need to speak to one anytime soon. After 45 miles of Interstate riding, we finally dropped off onto what I considered the Pacific Coast Highway and the mood and scenery changed dramatically. One minute your in the city doing 25 mph mixing with cars and people and the next minute your doing 65 mph all by yourself. We also skimmed by Camp Pendleton and they were playing war games along the hillside when we drove by. Didn’t get any pictures of that and was thinking I might get shot at if we did.

As we approached Los Angeles and still on PCH, with saw an port that was full ships, container boxes, and cranes from imports and likely a few exports that seem to go on forever. Also at this point, turned into the city and off the PCH to go visit the Hollywood sign and see the Observatory at the same time. We got caught in a 6 to 7 lane traffic jam, that was awesome and made Lori and I feel like the Clampett’s came to Hollywood. The drive through Hollywood was not that impressive and to me, it looked like it was time for a do over. We got our sign pictures and tookoff. As we were spinning back and forth down the hill, what crosses the road in front of us? I coyote! Look out Lori he thinking Prime Rib! Traffic in and out of LA was not fun and we were both glad to back on the PCH.

For the remainder of the day we drove the coast and the scenery was unique. We saw surfing, crashing waves, oil rigs, houses built on cliffs, expensive cars (Lambo!!), CHIPS, all without incident. Today was a good day.

Our story of the day comes from a rest stop from an elderly lady, say 55-60, who asked the this questions after seeing our plates. Are you guys really from Virginia? Nope, here’s your sign.

To Lori, the best highlight of the day is our hotel in San Luis Obispo, the Apple Farm. I will say that it is very nicely decorated and the room are ridiculous. We’ve got a gas fireplace in our room!! This place is way to nice for a country bumpkin. We ate at the restaurant that is part of the hotel. I had chicken and dumplings and the dumplings were rolled up into what looked like meatballs. How weird is that? Lori had roast beef laid over toasted bread. We both had salads and Raspberry Tea to drink.

Tomorrow’s run  could be a long for Lori and I because I’m asking us to do 471 miles through all kinds of traffic situations. So, we will make sure to cover the main attractions and then cover the minors if we can. One thing folks have to keep in mind, is that this is a long, long, long motorcycle ride to see things as I pass and sometimes stop to visit for a bit. Lori let’s me do this every other year then the following year we do what she wants to do. I had a suggestion come to me via Facebook and a friend from work that I stop an see the Hearst Castle. It is right in my path, so I will at least stop for pictures, if allowed, and the some from the beach. We will also be riding more of the PCH, cruise through San Francisco and across the Bay Bridge. Exiting San Francisco, I have planned to ride through some of the Wine Country, but since this is toward the end of the ride, I may have to forgo it. Time and weather will determine Wine Country ride.

Last thing to mention is that it is now time to start watching and deciding what I will or will not do about Crater Lake in Oregon. You may Click Here, for the webcams and see why I’m concerned. I will have to make a decision no later than Crescent City, California. As long as there in no snow in the forecast and I can get there before the temperature falls below 32, I will go. Looking at the weather forecast HERE, it is going to be close. We are due to arrive May 27th. The last picture of the post shows a purple route which is my plan B route if Crater lake does not workout.

Todays run was 383 miles, and our total is now 4863.

Click here for todays pictures:

Tomorrows route is pictured below:

The Picture below shows what we have completed and what we have left. The Red is complete and the Green is what is left.