Transfer Day

Let's just call it something like that. We transferred our bikes from San Francisco to San Simeon and will continue our incredible journey tomorrow. ;-)

Luck wasn't quite on our side today. We already knew that Highway #1 was closed. A massive landslide had swept away parts of the highway a few months ago, which meant that we had to take a detour. We could, however, drive at least a few miles on the historic highway right at the start of today's trip and we were really looking forward to getting magnificent views of the Pacific Ocean driving along the coast. If it wasn't for the heavy fog that surrounded us almost the entire time we were near the coast-line. I say "almost" only because there was a tiny little area where the fog receded for a bit. We immediately stopped right there at the side of the road to gaze at the ocean and take a few pictures.

The rest of today was rather unspectacular (well, that's unusual!). We drove along Highway 101, weather changing from 14°C and fog to 45°C in the blazing sun and back to 18°C and

again heavy fog in San Simeon, all within a few hours.

My personal highlight was visiting the elephant seal vista area near San Simeon! The elephant seals very obviously weren't disturbed by neither fog nor wind. They were simply lying in the sand, stretching and scratching themselves... just doing seal things. They were accompanied by a horde of squirrels who were begging us tourists for food. If it weren't for the numerous signs explicitly prohibiting the feeding of all animals, their cuteness would've earned them something to eat. ;-)

Later, after a heavenly, hot bath I spent the evening at a nearby restaurant with Axel, Heike, Martin and Tine, which was great fun as always when we're together. I can't stress enough how glad I am to have found such special company! The others are great as well and today I found myself thinking how this trip doesn't feel like a traditional vacation at all. It's really more like taking your machine out for a ride with your friends from the local motorcycle club. You know everyone, everyone knows you and you're all just part of one big team.

P.S.: I booped another squirrel! :D