The Smokies from near Taig an Drama Day 9 - Monterey to Lompoc
October 27, 2019
Sunday night, Lompoc, CA

We left Monterey with sunshine and temps in the mid 50s. As we motored south, the temps refused to climb past the mid 60s. We dropped the top a couple of times when the road speed allowed, but it never lasted long.

The first half of the journey found us once again winding along cliff roads high above the Pacific. However, CA1 shifted away from the coast at Morro Bay and, once we stopped in San Luis Obispo for Cali's best tri-tip sandwiches at the Firestone Grill, Our Lady of the GPS never found her way back to the water.

While southern Cali is not in a drought, much of it remains officially "abnormally dry". The locals actually use the river beds as shortcuts when they drive.

Lompoc appears to be predominantly Hispanic, so we ate at the Italian place just across the street. I'm on the hunt for some good tamales.

This is the first street sign that we saw in southern Cali that was definitely English! Climbing from 200’ to 400’, we crossed the Bixby Creek Bridge. (Sorry about the sun glare.) Point Sur is somewhat reminiscent of Mont Saint Michel in France. Perched high on the side of Point Sur, you see the Point Sur Lighthouse. More rugged southern Cali coastline, this time with a secluded beach tucked in the cove. This structure appears to be in a location prone to landslides. Otherwise, I don’t have a clue why it’s here. Looking back at the road we’ve just traversed. This section is 250’ above the sea. This was taken at the longest zoom of my telephoto lens. If you look closely you can just make out individual elephant seals. Now, this is a proper way to cruise CA1. The Piedras Blancas Light Station was first illuminated in 1875. In 1948, earthquake damage forced the removal of the lantern and top two floors. The station continues to operate as a navigation aid with a flashing beacon every 10 seconds. The Firestone Grill in San Luis Obispo is known for its tri-<wbr>tip sandwich. Said to be the best in the state. I’ll buy that. (Actually, I did.) The courtyard of the Firestone Grill. It’s even larger inside! I’ve been showing you the beautiful ocean views. However, the Santa Luchia Range to the west of us was typical since we hit Cali. The green splotches are trees while the rest is dry scrub. The cultivated fields in the foreground are green due to irrigation. A large mural for which Lompoc is known. At the end of this lovely tree lined street is the Veterans Memorial Building. Another mural, this one celebrating the agricultural heritage of the area, as shown in the photo above. Lompoc Valley is known as the “Valley of Arts and Flowers”. Flowers are in bloom throughout the valley from April through September. Unfortunately, we arrived a little late. Another mural. I'm sure there is a message here, but darned if I know what it is! As you see, the subjects of the murals is quite varied. I particularly like this one.
To Day 10