Stayed in San Luis Obispo last night. Chatted with another rider staying at the same motel. He was a canadian returning from Guatemala on his way to Edmonton! Said he has done the trip a few times and has property down there. He was behind schedule since he had to weather out some monsoons. Being a harley rider, he was wrenching on his bike when I was having breakfast and getting ready to go, and still working on it when I left :p I didn't end up stopping at Hearst Castle, it was only 40 miles up the road, and I had a full tank of gas. I've read about it before at least.
I did stop at an elephant seal watching beach a little further up the coast. Unfortunately I didn't see any seals, they must have all been out for a swim, or out to hunt, or maybe they moved. There were lots of people standing around with cameras and binoculars looking confused. I read the tourist sign about the seals, but it didn't explain where they were.
The drive from san simeon onward was amazing. CA-1 weaves along the cliff edge overlooking the ocean the whole time. Great driving and even better views, I should have probably stopped to take some pictures in hindsight but was having too much fun. As you start to get closer to santa cruz the road moves inland and straightens out for awhile. Kept on the coast skipping the bay area, then crossed inland in for san francisco. Drove up and down some really steep, long hills that I can't believe people live on. Walking downhill would be fine, but it would be quite the hike up hill. Explored a few neighborhoods, and looked at the brightly colored stucco houses. It was close to 5 o'clock so lots of stopped traffic. I was thankful for being on two wheels and being able to cruise up between it. Crossed the golden gate bridge, in thick fog. Couldn't even see the top of the tower supports, or from one tower to the next. Visibility was about the width of the bridge.
I was then on the 101 for a while I think before being able to make it back out to the coast. Again, highway back to highway 1, ocean views and twisty roads. I couldn't ask for anyting more. Passed over a cattle grate on the road and a sign warning about cattle the next 10 miles. At first I didn't believe it, the terrain was so steep that I thought even mountain goats would have trouble. Cliff faces going straight down hundreds of feet to waves crashing below. But sure enough, there were cows on the 18 inch strip of grass next to the road and the guardrail.
Gas is expensive along the coast in the smaller towns, like $2 more per gallon. I had a fill-up cost of $17 compared to the normal $9-10. Enjoyed the rest of the drive until sunset before stopping to find somewhere to stay. Lots of small inns along the coast, which I am guessing are really expensive. I don't want a fireplace in my room. Probably a popular destination for couples. Drove into the comparatively larger town of fort bragg, where even the Super 8 was pricey. I guess it's the price of ocean views. Jumped online to find a cheaper place, and found the anchor lodge.