San Simeon
After days of waiting for the bank cards to arrive, I was getting itchy
feet. There wasn’t an awful lot to do in San Simeon except riding into
Cambria town to the supermarket. By this time, we’d had enough of
watching TV and I phoned the bank, only to find the cards hadn’t
even been sent. I arranged for them to be delivered to Fort Bragg,
further north, but doubted whether it would materialise.
San Simeon – Plaskett Creek - 56km
The San Simeon/Plaskett Creek’s stretch was particularly stunning -
the road ran next to the ocean, climbed high up against the cliffs’
side, and then descended to the beach. Sadly, the breeze picked up
and came gusting around corners, making it tricky to keep the bicycle
in a straight line on such a narrow road.
We observed elephant seals basking in the sun, unperturbed by the
staring tourists. We went past lighthouses and fields of Californian
poppies, and up and down hills.
Plaskett Creek, a gorgeous forest campsite, provided a bike&hike
section, making overnighting easy. At camp was also Marlene, whom
we met at San Simeon Park. What an extraordinary, independent
lady. She travelled by bicycle and preferred forest areas to avoid
people. Although walking aided by two walking sticks, she seemed
fine once on the bike. I didn’t think she had a home; this was her life.
Immensely shy, I was surprised she appeared pleased to see us as a
big toothless grin crossed her face.