On the road | ch3 - blog

57km out of 2465km so far

After a few good days of comfort at Kirty’s and Robb’s, I packed my stuff this morning, said goodbyes and left San Fransisco to meet the ocean again. I set my next destination to the closest state park of Half Moon Bay, just 50km outside San Fransisco. I knew it would take longer to get ready in the morning and find my way out of the big city. Rather than taking the suggested bike route all around San Fransisco’s coast, I went through the city and several of its hills. I wanted to see a few more neibourhoods on my way out, next to the Golden Gates Park. By the time I got there it was already lunch time, so I had a couple of pizza slices at Arizmendi, a cooperative bakery that has a unique vegetarian pizza each day.

Castro, the land of the rainbow

Lost within hills

Where am I again?

Ocean Beach is right at the west borders of the city. Many people were enjoying their Sunday, surfing, cycling and running. Very privileged to live right next to such a place. Somehow though the coast on this county doesn’t feel the same with northern California. The scenery still impressive, but it’s way more populated and all the beaches are crowded with people.

Let’s make some beaches

City, bike path, surfers, highway, ocean

Lovely houses

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I went through the suburban Saly City, which merges with Pacifica. I bought some fresh vegetable for dinner and continued south via a tunnel to Montara and El Granada. The route was very hilly, especially during its first part and it took me at least an hour to get into a good tempo.

Last view of San Fransisco and the bridge from Daly City

Pacifica

aka mountain shortcut

A retired bunker enjoying the ocean view

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Pumpkin-mania

At Half moon bay I joined a bike path running right next to the beach, which eventually guided me to the campsite of the State Park. It seems like in southern California there is different policies for hiker-biker. The tariff is $7 and apparently you can’t stay for more than a night. Some other cyclists mentioned that it has to do with the illegal immigrants who try to use the campsite facilities on their way into the US. One even mentioned that the state campsites are run by the police. Curious to find out more about that. One way or another, the spot was nice though. It is right next to the beach and I got early enough to enjoy the sunset there.

Next to the bike path

Pelicans

Always good to shelter the tent by a tree

All seasons ocean view

Hikers-bikers spot

Half moon night at Half Moon Bay

0km out of 2407km so far

Rooftop view of the city and the morning fog over the bridge.

One more day off in the city of San Fransisco, which I spent walking around various areas of the city. My shins started aching a bit from all this walk and going down the hills. I took the public transit to the Golden Gates Park to meet with Garry and visit the De Young museum of Art. In the gardens in front of the museum, there were DJs playing techno music all day long, so people had gathered to party, even if it was still midday. We spent an hour or two in the museum. It also has a tower with an amazing panoramic view of the city.

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I riding the train

The gardens in front of the museum

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What does it mean?

Garry went off to box his bike and prepare his stuff for the flight. His 5 months trip had came to an end and he was still hangover from the night before. My party time is coming soon, but somehow I don’t want this trip to finish yet.

I left the museum and continued walking around the city. I went through Haight-Ashbury, the capital of the hippies. The area is full of neat cafes, restaurants, music stores, vintage and thrive stores, I took the opportunity to buy a $2 belt as my shorts falling off and moved on with my walk.

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Only in North-West

I walked all the way to mission, which is another interesting area, part of the Latin community of the city, full of taquerias and little shops selling all kind of things. During night it becomes the hipster mecca of San Fransisco. It was getting a little cold and I was waiting to meet up with Garry and Liz again. What a better way to kill some time by having a haircut. I was looking to get one since I started the trip, but I was just looking for a cheap place and there it was. Haircut for $9 at a place where they are also selling mobile phone cases and DVDs. She did a great job and I was happy to look a little less than a hobo.

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Church and Market

Heading to Mission

Right after that I met with the guys and we went off to a Mexican restaurant for dinner. Kirsty did a really good job with a dozen recommendations for places to eat and drink. One of the great advantages of knowing a local. The food was amazing, reasonably prices and we were all happy.

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After dinner we met with Charlie, Erik and two of their friends, since they were also in the area. We wondered around the city and had a couple of drinks at a brewery. Just before midnight I said the last goodbyes to everyone and headed off home, as I wanted to get back on the road tomorrow. It was nice spending time with all these people I randomly met during the trip, but also with Kirsty and Robb. I am very grateful for their hospitality and generosity. San Fransisco was great! Hopefully one day I will come back.

Us wondering around mission

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Boombox Rock Street party

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Cycling Adventures

Category Archives: On the road

Day 40 – San Fransisco to Half Moon Bay

Day 39 – San Fransisco