Every exit is an entry somewhere else...

We are spending the next few days continuing up the coast. North of LA the coast is dotted with smaller communitites. We stayed a few days around the surf community of Morro Bay.

Morro Bay is unique because of Morro Rock. This rock was part of a strand of 7 rocks that once were volcanic. They since have become part of the pacific plate and are moving north at the speed of 2" a year! Once providing the rock to build the causeway in the bay it is now a historical landmark. This has become a perfect place for surfers, sea gulls, otters and fat squirrels to spend the day. For us this area was a great escape from the intensity of LA.

This is Morro Rocks plaque containing some interesting information

Cerro Alto Trail A steep 1607ft climb to a pretty spectacular 360 panoramic view. Including glimpses of the Sierra Montains, with the ocean and Morro Rock to the west. We are starting to see that California is so much more than just the coast. This hike provided a lush landscape with a diverse population of shrub and tree. We have been fortunate enough to not come across a rattlesnake...yet!

Paul's luscious locks are really coming in!

There's Morro Rock on the shore line.

While the landscape and climate have been fantastic even with the heavy amounts of rain we have been experiencing, living in a van on the coast has its challenges. I would guess that for years many have tried to live under the bar of society in their home on wheels. Probably greatly influenced by the surf bum ideal. Every nook and cranny on the coast has been posted and enforced as "no overnight parking". I have read that this is one of the main reasons people stop living out of their van. While staying around Morro Bay we found a highway leading to a reservoir maybe 8 miles out of town. This road allowed for a few vista points or highway pull outs overlooking the reservoir. This would be where we would stay for 3 nights. But we felt it important to be moving during the day back into the city. While it provides for some great photography, our sleep is often disturbed by the whoosh of vehicles at all hours of the night. The ideal for us is an area that we can park the van and use the bike to tour around. The price of gas has increased greatly, and touring around in ol' Morrie can get expensive.

This spectacular sunset is overlooking a reservoir just outside of Morro Bay. We camped here overnight it was a pull out off the highway.

So moving on...In a last minute attempt to find an overnight spot, we pulled off Hwy 1 behind some trees on a dirt road. It was sheilded from the highway noise nicely. By this time it was getting dark. It actually worked well for the night. In the morning however we were greeted by a local sheriff. This is only the second occurance with the law. I'd have to say I feel very fortunateto be Canadian and am always willing to use the Canadian card. After calling in our identification and some small chat he did give us some tips on places to stay but told us this is private property and we can't sleep here. It is always an uncomfortable feeling when you are approached by law enforcement.

The highway just south of Big Sur is closed from a landslide. We drove as far as Cambria and had breakfast and a morning walk on a pretty stunning coastal boardwalk.

We then chose to save some gas and not advance to the mud slide area to just turn around and take the alternate, east highway 101. We stopped quickly in Paso Robles just off of Hwy101 for laundry and a grocery top up. We have entered vineyard country!

Driving a little further North, we arrive at William Hill campground. This area is BLM land. Finally a bit of relief, this campground is beautiful, free and we can stay here with no issues. We are realizing that BLM land is sometimes land that no one else wants or can access. The road to get in is a narrow 7 mile drive up windy switch back road with a sharp drop to one side(my side). Boy I'm glad Paul is driving this time!

Our free campsite was one of the best BLM campsites. With a canopy shelter, picnic table, fire ring and pit toilets

Here you can see the road below

We came from sea level and now are at 2770ft! We met and chatted with some other campers, even a couple from Ontario.

We have decided to head back to the desert. There are still many parks we want to see in Utah and Nevada. Paul's sister Mary and her husband Michael have decided to meet us in Las Vegas in a few weeks. So East we go!

For our Anniversary(March 17th) we have decided to get a hotel room. We ended up in Bakersfield at the Super 8. The shower and a comfy cozy bed are hard to pass up. So we stayed for 2 nights.

Benny took no time settling right in...

Appetizer supper, not really anything green and leafy on display... but one of our favorites. Mom...there are chicken wings in the paper bag, but not nearly as good as yours!

Bakersfield isn't the nicest city and it appears a little rough! On our last night a U-Haul truck parked by us was broken into!! We spent a day exploring downtown, walked through a custom car show.

An original Woolworth's, now is a dinner and antique shop

But most of our time we chilled in our room. The luxuries of WiFi, TV and space were things we really wanted to enjoy. After a very relaxing couple of days we drove further east.

Paul had to get his picture here. This is apparently the crossroad where James Dean crashed his car and died.

Isabella Lake This is at the south tip of the Sequoia National Park and 1 1/2 hours from Death Valley California. This is BLM land and we are hoping to spend a few days here.

Isabella Peak A quick hike offering some nice views of the Kern River Valley.

The Walker Cabin We stumbled upon this cabin. History states that this cabin was the site of a "Wild West" style shootout and a triple murder suicide in the 20's during the gold rush.

Remington Hot Springs

A nice rest after hiking Isabella's Peak and its FREE!

However it rained for 3 days with a flood warning, so after the 3 day of rain we decided to keep going to the desert.

This is just before we left, some pretty good runoff trails!

Next up Death Valley.

A delightful little spot after an afternoon of hiking!