Amtrak to California, Part 3: HIghway 1 to Monterey from Morro Bay

California, Day Two (10 Photos)

Monterey was the goal for tonight, but we had a big day ahead of us before getting there.  Highway 1 turned out to be a bit different than we were expecting.  We were prepared for a coastal drive, but this was a very mountainous one.  The road soars high above the sea, then comes down to meet it, again and again, winding through mountains, a tunnel and across many fine bridges.  The ocean is in full view for 90% of the drive.  At Big Sur (Pfieffer State Park) the road leaves the coast for several miles, crossing through a redwood forest.  We stopped at a lodge here for lunch and a major hike before continuing on to Monterey for dinner.  We had two nights booked at a motel there, and some whales to see tomorrow morning.

 Highway 1 turned out to be a lot more mountainous and curvy than expected.  The scenery was always nothing less than spectacular, which can be frustrating for the driver.  However, there were many vista points and other places to pull over.  Deb took this shot from our car as we approached the more challenging part of the drive.

 Highway 1 vista pullout, looking north.  Note the large bridge at the end of the 2nd bay.  It was one of many.

 We hiked at Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park, climbing a mountain (Buzzards Roost) for
an ocean view in one direction, and dry mountains in the other.  This is one of many
redwood groves in the park, with trees soaring over 200'.

 In California the desert is never far from the ocean.  This little guy greeted us at the top of our lookout.

 Our view of the Pacific Ocean from Buzzards Roost.  The ocean is often the same colour as the sky.  Looking west, the sky was overcast.  However, the next photo shows the view looking east at exactly the same time.

 Looking east from Buzzards Roost into the Santa Lucia Range, essentially the same mountains seen in the first photo on this page, above.

 My closeup with a redwood tree.

 Back on Highway 1, looking south.

 Same bridge as in photo, above, but not the same one as seen in the background of an earlier photo.  There were several beautiful bridges like this, most built in the 1930s.

 Lights of north Monterey, from Cannery Row.  We ate dinner at Cannery Row Brewery (more on the final page).

To be continued....