The Day Nothing Went Wrong

Day 32: Salinas to Big Sur

Today's Distance: 47 miles

Total Distance: 1,530 miles

I had a warm and comfortable night of sleep...something i've learned to appreciate quite a bit on this trip.  It was really great catching up with my aunt and uncle and the enchiladas for dinner and breakfast were just an added bonus!  I said my goodbyes in the morning and then was off again towards my journey to the Mexican border.  Today I was riding through Big Sur.  I've only been here one other time in my life and I was cruising through in a classic american muscle car...definitely not on 2 wheels.  I remember how gorgeous it was, like literally one of the most beautiful places in the world, but I also remember how steep and huge the hills were.  I joked at the beginning of this trip that everything before Big Sur was just training so I can make it through Big Sur...it's crazy that i'm finally here.  I remember the guy on the ferry in Canada, telling me about the one time him and his friend attempted a similar trip and then once they got to Big Sur they had to quit because his friend's allergies were so bad.  I'm here now, but i'm not quitting.

The weather couldn't have been more perfect.  I saw my first mileage sign that listed Los Angeles on it today and probably got more excited then I should have about something so little.  I took a little side trip through Pt. Lobos State Reserve, which is an amazingly beautiful protected area just south of Carmel.  As usual, I wish I had more time to hike around a bit, but instead I just relaxed and took a little time to enjoy the surroundings before taking off again.  I stopped at as many viewpoints that I could, not because I was tired, it's just the view was too good to pass up.  The ocean looked like a mix between sapphire and emerald if that makes any sense; And the kelp looked like bronze and gold ropes just floating all around.

I don't know if it's the weather, the inspiration i'm getting from the landscape, the fact that I slept on a bed last night, or all of the above but I felt great.  These hills are no joke, but I dominated.  I got more than one thumbs up today and I had high energy throughout the day.  I stopped for a little at Bixby Bridge...if you've never been then you need to plan a road trip.  I hung out there for a bit with all the other tourists and had a crazy climb right after crossing.  Crushed it.  At Andrew Molera State Park a guy asked, "How far are you coming from?"  And without stopping, I simply reply "Canada!"  He let out a loud drawn out, "Wahoooo!!!"  It was that kind of day.

I was making great time so I decided to stop at Maiden Publickhouse and treat myself to a beer and some food.  Best Bear Republic Hop Rod Rye i've ever had.  With plenty of daylight left, I checked in at Pffefier Big Sur SP.  The place is packed, as expected.  It's a great place to glamp.  The two girls I met in Santa Cruz that started in Bellingham, rolled into camp a little after me.  One of the park rangers stopped by and invited all of us out to have some drinks at a bar nearby.  The girls went but I decided to stay back and catch up on this blog.  When I actually realized it's Friday night I kinda regretted not going out and meeting some new people.  It's for the best though, I have a big day tomorrow.  Today was one of the few days I didn't have any issues at all and i'm stoked on that! Now i'm camping next to a creek, under the stars and trees.  I'm so grateful for this experience.