Central Coastin'

Just got back from a sweet 4-day trip up to the central coast with my friend Brian. We found wilderness, wildlife, waterfalls, great hiking, great camping, and some superb views...not to mention a dozen other great places to explore next time! It was an amazing trip, but instead of going on and on, I'm just going to post some highlights and photos...

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Day One Highlights:

Cruised up to Carp, picked up Brian, and made our way to the central coast. Stopped in Solvang for windmill viewing, pastry purchasing, and a Danish sausage & meatball lunch. Nice views enroute past green, grassy hills north of Santa Barbara and around SLO. Enjoyed coastal scenery to the north along Hwy 1 through Cayucos, Cambria, and San Simeon. Pitched camp at a busy, but reasonably nice San Simeon SP right along the coast. Fell asleep to the sound of croaking frogs, and wondered what they were saying.*

* The answer, by the way, according to this and other references: Something along the lines of "hey baby, how *you* doin'?"

Day One Photos:

Pre-departure in Carp, napping on a hammock - always a good way to start the journey.

Solvang windmill

First night's dinner in camp at San Simeon

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Day Two Highlights:

Took a stroll on the beach at San Simeon and took in scenic foggy views along with the local wildlife. Came across a sea lion on the beach and had a brief conversation, after we inadvertently woke him/her from a nap. Went in search of a quieter campground, and along the way found a sweet waterfall, spectacular coastal views, and lots of poison oak. Did our best to avoid the poison oak, and ultimately landed at a nice, small, inland campground along a rushing stream. Went for an evening hike (estimated distance 7mi) along a pretty ridgeline. Saw some cool birds. Enjoyed a relatively subdued death metal serenade from our all-black-wearing, skull-and-crossbone-tent-having camp neighbors (nicknamed "Goth Force"). Grateful we didn't bring any cats along.

Day Two Photos:

Dawn at San Simeon State Beach

This local resident was later seen sulking off into the ocean after evidently being awakened too early on a Saturday morning (see video below)



Pelican flyby

Waterfallin'

The itchy bush of evil

Just another typical Hwy 1 vista

Good things are in store when crossing grass-covered cattle grates

Camp two

Camp two's soothing stream

View from the evening hike

Brian's awesome pinecone perspective

Colorful manzanita

Enjoying the view (Brian's photo)

Moonrise through the trees

Rushing water at night - an artsy shot

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Day Three Highlights:

Lounged around the campsite, took some pictures, then took off for a ridgeline hike. With no trail maps or guides available, every turn was a surprise and adventure. This one turned out nicely, as we discovered a spectacular blufftop overlook with a commanding 3000'+ view overlooking the Pacific. This spot is certain to be revisited on future expeditions. Roundtrip hiking distance was just over 10mi. Returned to camp to find Goth Force (and everyone else) gone. Found a group of yellow jackets, which we speculate were no longer a threat after having their venom extracted and consumed by Goth Force. Avoided them nonetheless. Enjoyed a refreshing bath in the chilly stream next to camp. Experimented with some night photography and enjoyed the stillness.

Day Three Photos:

Sunday morning at the campside stream

Along the trail, sporting a fashionable hiking stick

5 miles of ridgeline hiking rewarded

View from a future campsite

Wildflowers in bloom

California Poppy

Local resident (Brian's photo)

Brian's great trail shot from the return trip

Coolin' in the stream (Brian's photo)

Evening at camp under the moonlight

Fireside reader

Stargazer

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Day Four Highlights:

Drove back home along the coast, enjoying foggy morning coastal views, and scoping out potential destinations for future trips. Super stoked after such a great voyage!

Day Four Photos:

Foggy morning along the central coast

Aloha.