Highway No. 1: Von Morro Bay bis Simi Valley

Breakfast today was a bit poor. Having breakfast in the reception is just not the real thing. So we made our way relatively early along Highway No. 1 to the Guadalupe-Nipomo Dunes. On this part of the route, from Morro Bay to Simi Valley, the journey no longer took us directly along the Pacific, but a bit inland. The hinterland here is largely used for agriculture. We saw full strawberry fields, in October, and avocado fields, so we think it was avocados. here.

Highway No. 1: Guadalupe-Nipomo Dunes

And the Guadalupe-Nipomo Dunes arrived, we had to drive along a desert road that we only knew from the UAE. Everything was covered with sand and blown away. The path led to the beach, where we found a large parking lot.

The weather was again quite hazy and foggy today. The surfers didn't care, the waves were big enough. We watched her for a while.

Environmental Protection at Guadalupe-Nipomo Dunes Park

A woman came up to us and introduced herself as a ranger. She asked where we came from and if this was our first time in the dunes. She explained to us where we are allowed to walk, which was pretty much everywhere, and that we should be quiet and careful because of the animals, who must not be frightened. She also thanked us for recycling the plastic bottles that we had just thrown away. We found it quite normal to throw them in the recycling bin. Here the impression of the wasteful American society was confirmed again. We had done something good for the environment and were praised. :)

On the way in the dunes

After the short chat we walked along the dunes. The sand was incredibly fine and in some places so hard that you didn't sink. The green, fertile land begins directly behind the dry sand dunes. The contrast is really enormous, but also beautiful. We observed a few cows wading in the water and eating aquatic plants. We also thought we saw a mountain lion in the distance but couldn't be sure as we only had the small lens and couldn't zoom in close enough.

Time urged us to continue driving, even if we could spend eternities here. When the weather is nice and the sun is shining, you can also go swimming here. On the way back, driving through the dunes, we stopped again to take a few pictures. However, we were warned by the ranger driving past not to stop because the road is so narrow and the dunes cover the car in a curve and accidents can occur. Of course we didn't want that, so we went on.

Highway No. 1: Santa Barbara

Leadbetter Beach

Our next destination was Leadbetter Beach in Santa Barbara. On the way there, always along Highway No. 1, the weather got better and the sun came out. We parked in one of the large parking lots right on the beach and walked to the water. It was quite windy but nice and warm and you could enjoy the sun.

The beach here is huge and wide. A cruise ship was anchored, from which small shuttle boats repeatedly brought the passengers ashore. We walked a bit along the sea and collected a cache.

Stearns Wharf

Then it was on to Stearns Wharf. Built in 1872, the pier is one of the oldest on the West Coast and is an extension of State Street. You can only drive up and park for free by car if you also buy something. We didn't plan to do that, so we parked on the side of the road just before the entrance to the pier. Stearns Wharf today consists of shops, restaurants and the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History Sea Center. At the very end has my great view over the Pacific. You should be careful, because there is no railing at the end of the jetty and the water is 3 to 4 meters lower than the platform.

To cool off from the high temperatures, we didn't jump into the cool water, but went to the Cold Stone Creamery on State Street. Mhhhh... One of the best ice creams ever.

Santa Barbara County Courthouse

Then we drove to the Santa Barbara County Courthouse. The courthouse, built in the Spanish colonial style, can be visited free of charge. It is surrounded by a beautiful garden with amazing exotic plants. Inside and outside it is a real eye-catcher. There is probably also a roof terrace that you can climb up to. Unfortunately, due to time constraints, we were not able to enjoy the great view. But maybe next time. :)

Camarillo Premium Outlets am Highway No. 1

On the way to our destination today were the Camarillo Premium Outlets. We just hadn't shopped enough yet, so we had to stop here. Our favorite stores like Tommy Hilfiger and Banana Republic were visited first. We also wanted to buy a new suitcase, since one of ours was slowly giving up the ghost. The stitching on the zipper had come undone and we were concerned that we wouldn't be able to get it home in whole pieces. Unfortunately, we had to realize that good suitcases are not exactly a bargain in the outlet. In comparison with the Internet prices in Germany, these could not keep up. So we rather hoped that the old suitcase would last. Otherwise the offer was very good and we could call a few things our own.

Simi Valley

With full bags we went to our hotel, the Best Western Plus Posada Royale Hotel & Suites in Simi Valley. We had a room at the back, which was very quiet. The room was clean and big enough.

With the most beautiful low full moon, we went to dinner Red’s Barbecue & Grillery. We had to wait for a free table and were then seated. I took BBQ Chicken Breast Sandwich and Christian Tri Tip. We also got a salad and we could choose two side dishes from a long list. We didn't leave, we rolled out of the restaurant! We were so full afterwards, I mean with a whole chicken breast, I mean really the double pack and a steak weighing at least 400g, no wonder.

The next day we continued along Highway No. 1 to Los Angeles. You can find the post here.

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