I don't think I've ever ridden in a more picturesque area than where we are right now.  Even with the misty air putting a damper on the views, the scenery was still pretty impressive.  That's coming from someone who's ridden in every state in the lower 48.  I've always said that everywhere we ride is beautiful in its own way.  That includes Kansas, Mississippi, or where ever.  But any way you cut it, this place is simply beyond words.  I wonder what the people paid for their homes that sit on hillsides overlooking the ocean?  I'm not sure if all the traffic along this area would be annoying to the residents, but I'd rather think they are just snubbing their noses as those that pass by as if to say, "We live here and see this everyday and you don't."

Today we were scheduled to ride 77 miles...Karen and I did 80 because we took a couple side trips.  We were planning to take another side trip to Perpetua Overlook which was a 900 foot climb in about 2 miles which provided an elevated view of the coast to the south...gorgeous and well worth the effort (left).  Problem was, when we got there the overlook was in a cloud so it didn't make much sense to ride up there just to be socked in the misty cold.  So, we passed on the opportunity this trip.  Last year it was beautiful and when I got to the top, there were several people up there who were curious as to why I would ride all the way up there...for that view, I'd ride up about anything.  The road you see is the road we were riding...and it's waaaaaaaaaaaaay down there.  As with every hard effort there's a reward...the technical descent back to the shore was invigorating.

I think the consensus so far is...this is a great ride.  Everyone has really enjoyed the views even though the terrain is challenging.  As far as the views, there are tons of 'em.  Around every turn there is another more beautiful sight than the one you just left.  We even stopped at one point and watched a whale swim by blowing air once in a while.  Another stop provided views of a group of sea lions cavorting in the surf below us.  It's really hard to get down the road when we spend most of the time pulling off every few miles just to soak it all in.  I made the kidding comment to Karen that I really miss the wheat fields of Kansas on this trip...she wasn't amused.  I may not really miss the wheat, but I do miss some of the warm temperatures of the midwest.  But, this is just temporary, we expect better temperatures soon.

Tomorrow we continue our journey southward.  There's tons of self supported riders sharing our route, but I'm glad I'm not spending the night in a campsite in this weather...damp and cold in the evenings are not my forte...I'll take a hot shower any day.  As for now, it's late so I'll let the photos below give you some idea of what we've been enjoying all day.  See you tomorrow.  M