Solo Journey on HWY 1

http://andyvandyke.com/drive-california-big-sur-highway/

This was the reason I wanted to take Highway 1 today. 

We biked this trip last April and I have such fond memories of all the places we stayed and passed through. A ridejoy ride fell through last minute, so it was just me and my car from the northern cliffs of the coast to the flat beaches of Southern California.

I decided to exercise my freedom by driving the long way south. By the time I got to Monterey, I thought I was making pretty good time. This was already day two of our bike trip! I decided to stop at a new restaurant (that we didn't stop at before) at Big Sur, the Big Sur River Inn & Restaurant. It was a leisurely lunch with The Marriage Plot, by Jeffrey Eugenides. I learned that I don't mind eating alone as long as I have something concrete to do. There is also a gift shop, Local Color, that had the perfect gift for Edward!

It's always hard to choose between the mountains and the ocean, but luckily, I didn't have to choose! The view was amazing, although I really had to steal my glances carefully as I also had to drive. I stopped on the road a few times to soak in the view (and to sneak in a nap).

There were still a few lane closures from the big storm a while back. I even sneaked in some crocheting while we waited for oncoming traffic to pass us. I didn't get to Santa Barbara until it was dark...

I love Highway 1. The Pacific Coast Highway will always be special to me (first bike tour). That said, here is my suggestion: drive Highway 1 when you're not in a rush, with friends, and stop by a couple of the places along the way.

• Lucia Lodge is a beautiful place to stay (and they have "award-winning" fish and chips!). 
• If you've never been, Hearst Castle deserves a stop. 
• Cayucos is a fun little beach town to wander through (but don't try to stay at the Vagabond Inn... they no longer exist). 
• After San Luis Obispo, the towns seem to get bigger. The scenery flattens out and it starts to look like Southern California (with the palm trees and the beaches). 

Time to plan a slower-paced highway one vacation!