39km – 2951 in total

I woke up and it was almost raining. Or at least the trees above my tent were dripping, as the humidity of the thick fog was gathering on the leaves. I packed my tent wet, as there was no sun to help it dry. There were a few other cyclists in the campground and Joseph offered me some pasta with red sauce and salami for breakfast. Even if the night was not cold at all, he needed something warm and I didn’t object having some as well. I never turn down calories these days.

Crane by the campground

I went back in town to the local bike shop. I was looking for break pads, but Dave didn’t have the ones I needed, so I just went to the cafe next doors for some more breakfast. I left Morro Bay by 11am and took some back roads heading south. I am glad the roads were not busy at all and I enjoyed the ride through wetlands and barren hills. It had just the right amount of hills to make the ride interesting, but not hard.

I arrived to San Luis Obispo early enough to go around the city and visit a few places of interest. First stop was one of the bike shops, which luckily had what I needed. I can now use both brakes again, which is a good thing especially on the downhills.

I went to the town center and visited the mission of San Luis Obispo. It’s the 5th of the 21 Spanish missions in the Pacific coast, as the Spanish settlers were heading north establishing their presence in the new territories, forcing their religion and way of living upon the natives.

San Luis Obispo mission

12 out of 21

I walked around the old part of the city, looking at the old buildings next to the stream. At parts it reminded more of a European city than an American one. I bought some supplies and headed of the hostel of the area.

43km – 2905 in total

I woke up at the back yard of the hostel, or more like the Bed&Breakfast since they didn’t have any dorms. There was a good selection of breakfast, with organic oatmeal and seeds, together with jam and nice bread. I had a good portion and took my time in the nice living room. I had another go with my rear break on the bike. It’s been very weak and I think it needs some professional attention if not new break pads. I went off at around 11am and the day today was slow, as I didn’t have to go that far. I have plenty of time ahead of me for Los Angeles, so I can practically cycle half days, which is good as I have more time to enjoy the places I go through. Or in another way I go as slow as possible to try and extend this trip as much.

The ride though out the day was really easy and I didn’t sweat a drop. Cambria is a bit inland, so the first part of the ride was through dry areas without many trees or any vegetation taller than bushes.

I feel like meeting all of the residents.

On the way I came across a small state park and I went off for a short walk. I didn’t get all the way to the beach, but just half way to the water tank building. It was enough to find my self in the middle of nowhere, without anyone near by. I couldn’t even hear the cars from the highway.

 I continued south and shortly after I met again with the ocean. It was very calm, but the sun shortly after went behind clouds and the fog.

On the way I met Bryan, a cyclist we camped together in Big Sure. His buddy George was a bit ahead. We met him minutes later when he realized he had a flat. We all waited for him to patch it and ironically a minute later Bryan got one as well. I move on to Cayucos, before my final destination for the day.

Approaching Cayucos

Approaching Morro Bay

Morro bay is right after Cayucos. A few people had mentioned it’s a nice little fish town with a good campground so I decided to stay there.

Morro Bay is right behind this rock

Classic!

On the way to the park I stopped at the Marine Life Museum. Most of the exhibits were interactive for kids to play with. I enjoyed seeing all the various birds close up and get an idea of what I’ve been seeing flying above me while cycling. The park was right around the corner. I set my tent, had a shower and went back in town for some famous fish and chips, as the town is famous for that.

Look at this torpedo!

This power-plant is no longer in full operation

The town has two landmarks. The big rock right by the bay and the power plant. I entered a restaurant right opposite the factory and I had an extensive conversation with a local next to me in the bar. Tim bought me a beer and gave me many information for my next few days, together with some history lessons of the area.