Bike Tour in the USA (2007), Part 24

Monday, Sep. 17, 2007

Friendly America

Morro Rock - San Simeon State Park

Distance: 72.35 km, Timer: 5:09:21 hrs, Total: 782.97 km

   After I left the brick and mortar shop of Cambria Bicycle Outfitter I spent some time checking out Cambria. It was very clean and nearly every house made of wood. I felt back at least 100 years back in time. Every tourist longing for ‘tradition’ in the USA should go there and have a good look.

   What stood out for me was the high portion of European Americans which was unusual high; I could neither see one African American or one Mexican anywhere during my 1 ½ hours research of the town for 1 ½ hours.

   As I wanted to say farewell to the city leaving for Highway 1 northbound I've heard someone shouting my name. I've turned around and recognized the young man who lead my way on his bike from the hardware store to the bike shop. He went with his girlfriend for lunch. After a small talk he shook my hand and wished me good luck for my trip.

   Leaving Cambria I did not quite realize that the road ahead was already a part of Big Sur, a rugged section of California's Central Coast between the Carmel Highlands in the north and San Simeon in the south where the Santa Lucia Mountains rise abruptly from the Pacific Ocean, that is frequently praised for its dramatic views. Big Sur has been called the 'longest and most scenic stretch of undeveloped coastline in the contiguous United States', a 'national treasure that demands extraordinary procedures to protect it from development' and 'one of the most beautiful coastlines anywhere in the world', an isolated stretch of road, mythic in reputation.' (wikipedia)

   Two miles north I came to the San Simeon State Park and Campground for in which I planned to stay for the night. After leaving Highway I came to a small wooden hut which already prepared the registration forms. I registered me, my bike and the tent on the Hiker & Bike, put US$2.00 in an envelop and threw it into a letter box - finished was the DIY registration.

   I wrote to the designated Hiker & Biker and pitched up my tent. I threw all three of my bags (two rear panniers) and one duffel bag into my tent and decided to ride back to Cambria. I remembered a big supermarket at the northern side of the city and wanted to get there for some food and drinks.

   The road was mostly downhill, I enjoyed to ride without any luggage. It did not take long and after arrival I forget to bring a lock. Again, I had 'Gottvertrauen' (trust/faith into the lord) and just leaned it beside a rail protecting the shopping carts. As Big Sur is a long and lonely road I bought a lot of stuff for the road; my bike which was still where I parked it waiting for me!

   While riding back to the State Park I rode and eat 'salt sticks' or 'pretzel sticks' as they are know. Suddenly I noticed a squirrel jumping and running on a wooden path beside the road. I stopped and threw a salt stick in its direction. He took it, sat on his rear legs and nibbled the stick holding it on with his front feet paws. I made a photo before it took off with its possession onto the next tree. I assumed that the squirrel could handle the pretzel stick better than ex-President George W. Bush who chocked on a pretzel and fell on the floor from a couch, bruising his lip and scuffing his cheek!

   Back to the State Park I enjoyed a generous dinner. The food which needed cooling I ate first and finished the whole dinner with a nice cake! After I had eaten I thanked God that He was so kind to give me delicious food to eat and a nice place for the night!   

   (to be continued)