Twenty-first Day on the Trail

Hi All, Had a rough day followed by a much smoother one. We got packed up, ate, and left San Fran for LA Area. While it hadn't the two previous days the fog really rolled in the morning as we were leaving. As we came over the crest of the hill just north of the Golden Gate bridge we were just above the fog bank that was covering the bridge part way up the towers and the inner bay area. The visibility on the bridge was OK but not great. There was no sign of the Pacific or even the water below the brige. There was traffic on the way through and out of the city but we expected that and it wasn't terribly heavy going our way. Most of the day we were in rolling hills on Rt US 101 going down the coast slightly inland for most of the way. It was a long, long, long drive to LA for us. Imagine our surprise to find this sign along the roadside somewhere south of Camp Roberts Military Base.

We decided to stop at Solvang on our way. Char remembered that her parents had visited there and that it was a quaint little place with interesting shops, etc. It was still a neat place but probably more commercial than when her folks visited. Our problem is that the heat wave out here made it too hot to wander around outside. After only a short visit we were "on the road again". We finally arrived about 7:15 PM and were very glad to see that we wouldn't have to drive anywhere to get dinner. We got the car unpacked, contacted Char's friend Margie, ate dinner, and crashed for the night.
The next morning after we got up leisurely and ate breakfast we headed for Margie's house. After one missed turn we arrived there and had a great visit with her. We then headed over to the Big Straw for lunch. This is a great little Cafe that Margie's daughter and son-in-law, Grace and Howard, have started in La Mirada. They have hand made sandwiches, juices, teas, etc. We had a great lunch there and in between customers got a chance to talk. The rest of the family helps out there as well. Later on we headed back to Margie's and spent most of the rest of the day there enjoying a great family dinner and more fellowship. Char and I finally headed back to the motel for a swim and then to bed. Below is a pic of Margie and Char.

I am posting this in the morning as we are packing and getting ready for breakfast before heading to San Diego. I was too tired last night. The long drive from San Fran to LA drained both of us.