New Brighton State Beach is my favorite first stop. The next day I headed just a bit north to Wilder Ranch just north of Santa Cruz.
Like stepping back in time.
I stopped at Davenport Landing and Greyhound Rock. The pelicans were coming in for a landing. I got a little watercolor painting time in.
The next day I headed down to Monterey and got a site at Veterans Memorial Park. They have raised their rates to the same as state parks, so from now on I will probably go State parks to get a reservation. But it is nice to be right in Monterey.
Then I went to Carmel by the Sea and actually found a parking space right by the sea. What a lovely, although crowded beach.
Driving down Highway 1 is always so beautiful. There were still construction delays at the two big slides, but at least you can get through.
I always stop at the wildlife overlook near Hearst Castle. It was the juvenile males this time and they had switched to the upper beach. Nice time talking to the volunteer docent.
I did some painting at Morro Bay and got a site at MBSP, #100. I went to Taco Temple as recommended by some friends. It was delicious but odd.
Next day I wandered and stopped at the Dana adobe near Santa Maria. They have done an excellent job of restoration.
I went to Mission Santa Ynez to paint, and stopped in at my favorite ice cream shop ever.
I had reserved at Carpinteria. Closely packed sites with no privacy, but that is typical beach camping. C225, not great, but fine.
Off to visit family in Long Beach and San Diego.
Subaru camping is certainly not as comfortable as Bobcat camping, but I am finding that I spend so little time in camp it doesn’t much matter. I don’t know why I even bring cooking gear. I have yet to cook. It’s just a cheap hotel so I can travel more. And it gets twice the gas mileage as the Tacoma ATC. The reflectix window coverings work so well, I find myself getting ten hours sleep a night. I will need to figure out a heat solution if it gets much colder though. And I have to be a contortionist to get dressed and undressed. Keeps me limber!