Road Trip 2009 - Day 04 - Photos & Trip Journal

Quietly putting the tent away, heading out of the campground as to not wake up anyone, we decide to make one last minute run inland to get a battery charger for our camera. The trip would be about 50 miles roundtrip and we decided it would be worth it.

On the way into town, we came across a beautiful site… mountains with clouds covering the tops, draping over the peaks and looking like a haze that was painted by an artist. The scenery was unique… quite picturesque.

While traveling into the town, we decided to have breakfast at a Bagel House. Interesting little café but not as great as Katy’s Bagel Café on Mason Road!

Heading back to the coastline, we were blessed to take a detour road which provided a change in scenery as it was a curvy, tree- covered road in the valley that wound its way around back to the main highway. Very beautiful!

Yeah! Highway 1! We continue to travel North while following alongside the ocean. The views are breathtaking and quite tempting to retire here!

While enjoying our cup of coffee the night before on the beach, we were shocked to see porpoises, and sea lions. While traveling we continued to see beautiful wildlife along the highway and the shore. … Seagulls, chipmunks, rabbits… We stopped to view the Hearst Castle and decided it was too touristy for us… so, we took the opportunity to walk along a pier in the parking lot to discover a beautiful sight--- long strands of seaweed--- Texas-sized seaweed! The seagull on the pier was intrigued with the camera and cooperated for a photo session for Joey. Walking along the pier, Joey shared with me about an Elephant Sea lion park for us to view the animals.

We proceeded traveling north along the coast to discover… the funniest sea lions ever!

We were traveling along the Pacific Coast on the motorcycle and as we glanced into the ocean, I thought I saw a "rock" move up and down... could it be a floating rock? No! It was an elephant sea lion. And low and behold, there were tons of "floating rocks" making crazy noises. Joey and I stopped to watch their unusual behavior... they would meander up the beach from the water, plop down onto the beach, start "sunbathing" after putting on their sunscreen - sand! It was hilarious!

(Joey)

The rides along the coast are always beautiful and a great bit of fun. Off to your left (if heading north) is almost always a drop off that would plummet into the rocks or sea. To your right would be step hill sides or cliffs that would rise up hundreds of feet. While the road in front of you curves to the right and left. Curves that keep your eyes on the road except for a quick glimpse of passing views.

"If you have never traveled the coast line, either the left or right coast, I would strongly urge you to plan a trip one day. It is well worth the time and travel."

After a hundred or so miles of the coast line and the beautiful sites, we turned inland in rough to Yosemite National Park for the next day and a half.

Once heading east by north east, we again found ourselves on beautiful roads but with more traffic than what I would of liked, but again worth the ride to get into Yosemite National Park.

Once inside the gates we took off for what we thought would have been a quick trip to the hotel, but that was not the case. With the beautiful scenery, the curvy roads and the tasking posted speed limits, this trip lasted into the evening but not too late.

By the time we made it to the hotel and got checked in, the dining room was just moments from closing. So with the bike still parked at the entrance of the hotel, we grabbed our room keys and checked right in to get a table for dinner.

Again, for those that haven't had the opportunity to do much traveling, we would hope that someday you would take the time to do so. By doing so, visit a few of the national parks. Depending on what park you visit, there is almost always a wonderful place to stay and to dine. Here at Yosemite we had fine four star dinning with a wonderfully pleasant room to stay.

Also with many of the national parks, you will find that most of those visiting the park with you are from overseas. Tourist from other countries that have come to see some of the most beautiful places in the world. Places that are in your back yard. Places that they travel thousands of miles to see.

Now with all the tourist, the parks do get busy and at times. So if you are like me and don't care to be around others but yet enjoy visiting beautiful places, might I make this suggestion... "Get up early."

With us here at Yosemite this year, we found that this park is no different than any other. While everyone else is enjoying their late sleep and a mid morning breakfast, the roads are open and the sites are clear for you to enjoy.

Day four's travels took us from San Simeon State Park to Yosemite National Park. 296 miles in 11 hours averaging out about 36 miles per hour.

(More Photos From Day Four)


Day 3 - Photos & Trip Journal		Day 5 - Photos & Trip Journal