3/02 To the California Coast

3/02/10 Tuesday

Photos:  http://silverserenity.shutterfly.com/961 Lost Hills to San Simeon
Photos:  http://silverserenity.shutterfly.com/819 Elephant Seals to Plaskett Campground

Today will be the day to arrive at the California Coastline.

Continuing on west via Hwy 46 we pass orchards in full bloom. The white petals have begun to fall from the trees leaving the ground white. A sweet perfume from the orchards fills the air. Such a sweet and pleasant way to start the day.

Then in sharp contrast loom up oil fields with their dinosauric machines. At first glance the area looks dead and devoid of life. It feels eerie and desolate. Many of the pumps just sit to deteriorate in the weather. Others are slowly rocking back and forth as they bring the “black gold” to the surface for our benefit.

Like a bad dream past, the orchards return to bring a smile again. They continue for as far as you can see. Row after row, more and more. Then the green grassy fields decorated with the orange flowers fill in the view.

OK, enough! We had to stop and have a closer look at what nature was providing. Surprisingly the orange blankets were made by very tiny tiny flowers. I took a close up so you could see their size compared to my fingers.

In the background was a continual squawking. It came from the orchard far from the road in front of us. On a post in the field of flowers sat a red winged black bird. The orchard was filled with them. Photo 3532 just happened to catch the birds as they took flight.

Thomas took several photos of me in the field. If you notice I am no longer dressed for the desert. My nose is not red from a sunburn but the cold.

Back on the road and just in time. It has started to rain. We are now coming into rolling hills with cattle and vineyard country. The closer we get to Paso Robles the more vineyards there are. The rows and rows of grape vines line the hillsides and seem to accentuate the rise and fall of the hills.

Some of the vineyards are smaller farms while others go on and on. Many have their own personal vinery. Most have wine tasting and tours. Too bad that it is almost 10am and they are not open yet. Maybe next time.

On the west side of Paso Robles we had to stop so that I could get more batteries for the camera out of the trailer. Just as I stepped out of the truck I looked up on the hillside to see about 8 deer. Luckily I was able to snap a shot of a couple and also a baby on top of the hill.

Just as on the east side, the west side of Paso Robles has vineyards and wineries. But there were not nearly as many. The hillside became a more moist environment. Trees were hung with moss and some took on a light green color of the mossy covering.

The fog bank closed in and at times the road would disappear only a short distance in front of us. At 8 ½ miles to the coast we were in a total fog! Then it began to clear up some as we entered the Cambria area. We are on the coast at last!

Heading north on Hwy 1 the fog had dissipated some. The rain became intermittent. Birds gave flight in flocks and fought the coastal winds. I try but just can’t capture the vastness and size of the waves and the ambiance of this area.

Last time we were here, we stayed at the San Simeon State Park just north of Cambria. They have a primitive camping area in addition to a developed camping area. After checking we found that California has closed some of its parks and facilities due to a lack of funds and most of this campground was in the closure. Only one loop remained open and the primitive Washburn Campground Area was also closed. Hoping for something better, we headed on north after a quick sandwich.

The San Simeon area is home to the Hearst Castle. The town of San Simeon was originally the gathering of people who worked for Mr. Hearst at the castle. Mr. Hearst owned 500 miles of coastline here. This land is still in the family. The Castle has been turned over to the state and made into a State Park which offers tours of the grounds and buildings.

Just north of San Simeon are a couple of Elephant Seal viewing areas. These animals come to shore in mid-December to begin giving birth. The births continue into mid-February. Around Valentines Day the breading reaches its peak. Adults are beginning to leave and the weaned pups teach themselves how to swim. From April through August groups return to the beaches to molt. September and October finds the young-of-the-year and juveniles come ashore to rest. November brings the sub adult males then the mature males. December brings the return of the bulls followed by the females and the births begin again. It is always entertaining to stop and watch the events taking place.

The next stop brings us to Nathaniel Owens Memorial Redwood Grove. There is a trail to follow back into the redwood grove. The redwoods are tall and large. These are not the giants that are more often found in the northern part of California. But they are still impressive.

Willow Creek Picnic area is another favorite stop. People are greeted by local squirrels which hope for a picnic of their own. There were 8 vying for our peanuts and blueberry bagel. Gulls also want in on the action. The view from here is great and you can also drive down under the road to the beach below. In Photo 3659, try to find the man on the beach. Now don’t cheat! Go to the next photo for a hint to where he is. A gull wished us good bye as we departed for the next stop of the day.

Plaskett Creek Campground is almost right on the ocean. We decided to stay here for a couple of days. It also included free day use at Sand Dollar and Pfeiffer Beaches. Sand Dollar Beach was just across the road from the campground. The beach itself was really far down from the top of the walkway. On the beach were huge rocks. The tide is so strong that some of the waves are able to pull these rocks back into the sea and roll them around.

Back to the campground, we got set up and prepared to close the day. Tomorrow we will enjoy “living” on the Pacific Ocean.