Tuesday, May 17, 2011

Highway 1

Here is our first view of the Pacific Ocean and some Golden Poppies which are the state flower of California.
We pulled off at this exit because we saw some surfers out in the cold ocean. Along this road you can set up your camper right along the beach.

When we stepped out of the car we could smell the ocean air which I have not smelled since I was a child. For some reason the Atlantic ocean on the east coast of North Carolina does not smell. I am not sure if it has to do with the kelp or not. It has been in the mid 50's the whole time we have been here and the wind has been blowing strong. To me it feels like the 30's. Just like winter in North Carolina. As you can see this surfer is in his wet suit which is a good idea.
Here are some other photos of the Highway 1 as we drove further north.
We stopped in Pismo Beach at the pier and watched some more surfers.

Looks at the collection of vintage skateboards, boys!!! So cool!
As we continued up the coast we stopped at Morro Bay. This is Morro Rock. When I was a young girl my family would camp here. My parents also had a boat called a cabin cruiser which was docked at the camp ground. It was a fun time except when we went out in the boat and I got sea sick one time. I was so glad to be on dry land. I learned how to sail a dingy which is a small sail boat while we stayed here.
If you look close in this photo you can some sea lions on the platform. We could hear them barking so we had to find them and get a photo. They used to lay on the docks all around our boat.
Right there at the docks was a small fish shack so we had some fish and chips. It was excellent.
Another view of the ocean as we traveled north.


We are in a town called Watsonville right outside of Santa Cruz. We are staying at another KOA campground but this time we are staying in luxury. Some campgrounds have lodges and since we were going to be here 3 nights we decided to stay in the lodge. This lodge is a mini house. All the necessities. With all the rain it certainly has been warm and comfy.

And look here. We also got to see the state bird of California which is the quail.


Enjoying the new sights,
Carrie P.

11 comments:

Melody said...

Amazing photos. Thanks for sharing.

Salem Stitcher said...

I am enjoying your trip very much! Thanks for taking us along!!

Rumi said...

Oh the pics of Hwy 1 brings up lots of memories of growing up in California. Been down that road many many times.
Enjoy the rest of your anniversary road trip!

Crispy said...

There is nothing better than the smell of the Pacific Ocean. My mother, who was raised in Oklahoma, always said it was stinky but I love it :0) Those that are raised in land locked states don't realize how wonderful fish and chips are by the ocean, you can taste the sea.

Crispy

Jocelyn said...

Carrie your pictures have been so amazing. Thanks so much for sharing about your trip.

MamaT said...

Thanks for all the pictures. Looks like you're having a great time.

Allie said...

I love all your pictures, Carrie - it looks like you're having an amazing time! I love visiting childhood haunts, Morro Rock looks like a gorgeous place. Love that little lodge, it looks very cozy!

Loris said...

I'm a little late to the party seeing all your vacation pics. It looks like you are having a wonderful time! You passed me going up the coast toward Santa Cruz. I'm in Cambria, just north of Morro Bay. And yes, it is annoyingly windy this time of year! It makes me look forward to "June Gloom" when it's foggy everyday for a good while. I hope you are getting some calmer weather in Santa Cruz though we are still having rain this season which is an odd thing. But enjoy all you can. I love this state :-) quails and poppies and a beautiful coast.

Kim D. said...

Thanks for sharing all the photo's Carrie, we're traveling vicariously on your trip with you. We went to San Diego two years ago and drove up the coast and it was gorgeous. Hopefully we'll plan another trip in a year or two. I would love to travel all the way up the coast through Oregon and Washington again. It's so beautiful in the summertime. I hope it warms up for you.

Anonymous said...

You do realize I'm from CA with all my family still in the Bay Area? My in-laws camp RV there every year! How fun for you...where to next?

Simone de Klerk said...

I'm wordless, looking at all the beauty!
Such wonderful childhood memories.