My most favourite song of 2024 includes the lines
“Goin’ top down in that old Mercedes
Music loud, go ahead and hate me
Spare the nickel, I’ll just keep the dime”
My road trip wasn’t in a fancy convertible Mercedes, and the weather wasn’t ideal for one anyway. I had to spare the nickel and the dime, but nevertheless I still enjoyed the journey with Mark Ambor music playing loudly 🙂
I had some days to do a road trip on Route One in California. Due to a partial closure of Route 1, I had to adjust my road trip itinerary. Here’s how it looked:
- Fly into San Francisco and drive to Morro Bay.
- Drive the southern half of Route 1 from Morro Bay to the landslide blockage.
- Drive from Morro Bay to Monterey via an inland route.
- Drive the northern half of Route 1 from Monterey.
- Return to San Francisco.
Before you start planning your route, check the official website for closure news: https://roads.dot.ca.gov/?roadnumber=1
While my approach may have involved covering twice the distance, it allowed me to fully immerse myself in the experience. Spending two nights in Morro Bay was a highlight, despite its small size. Exploring the area and going whale watching made my stay truly worthwhile.










Following the whale watching excursion, I embarked on a solo drive up Route 1, the music turned up high. Despite the foggy, rainy, and somewhat eerie weather, the scenery was breathtaking. The intermittent patches of fog created moments of solitude, allowing for quiet reflection amidst the sound of distant waves and the scent of sea lions. It was, unexpectedly, a beautiful day.




The next day, I traveled to Monterey, which is located on the other side of the construction on Route 1. Typically, I would be able to drive directly on Route 1 to get there, but due to the landslide, I had to take the highway around and arrive in Monterey in the middle of the afternoon. Before heading to Route 1, I explored the town and it reminded me of a smaller version of San Francisco. The harbor area, with its fish restaurants, seals basking in the sun, and numerous tourist shops selling souvenirs and candy, was reminiscent of Fisherman’s Wharf in San Francisco. Of course, there were some key differences – no cable cars and fewer people.



Following a restful night at a motel, I embarked on a southward journey along Route 1. The weather was remarkably pleasant, characterized by abundant sunshine and warmth, which evoked a desire for the convertible Mercedes mentioned by Mark Ambot. The scenic vistas were so captivating that I frequently paused to capture photographs, although they are unlikely not able to transport my view to you.






The day after I went to something totally different, the 17-mile-drive:
The day following my previous adventure, I embarked on the renowned 17-Mile Drive in Pebble Beach (https://www.pebblebeach.com/17-mile-drive/). This scenic route offered breathtaking coastal vistas, glimpses into luxurious homes and golf courses, and iconic landmarks such as the Lone Cypress. Along the coast, I observed wildlife like seals and sea otters. The experience was truly unforgettable, catering to both nature enthusiasts and those seeking a taste of luxury. While there was a $12 entrance fee, it could be redeemed as a discount on the pricey food options. I indulged in the largest cinnamon roll I’ve ever encountered, even requiring a doggy bag to take home the leftovers.😀





The majority of my day was spent behind the wheel, traversing the open road. I punctuated the drive with frequent stops, seizing the opportunity to immerse myself in a good book, unwind amidst picturesque surroundings, and simply soak in the scenic beauty that unfolded before me.
At one point, I decided to utilize my re-entry ticket to make a brief detour to Carmel-by-the-Sea, a coastal town renowned for its charm and allure. However, upon closer inspection, I found myself somewhat underwhelmed. While the beach itself was undeniably pleasant, the town’s overall ambiance struck me as rather unremarkable, dominated by a proliferation of upscale boutiques catering to the affluent. After a quick caffeine fix, I decided to resume my journey, eager to discover what awaited me further down the road.

As I was about to start driving, I captured the perfect image that summed up my entire vacation: I had intended to photograph a pelican, but a humpback whale unexpectedly appeared in the background, creating a truly remarkable photo. It’s incredible to imagine how amazing it would be to live here and have the opportunity to watch humpback whales from my own terrace. ❤️

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