Day 9: Rocky (the raccoon!)

Our day began with a laugh, breakfast on the terrace was interrupted by a raccoon on the roof opposite, he did his business, sniffed about a bit, and then wandered off, very entertaining!

It's "Rocky" the raccoon

We left San Luis Obispo about 9:30 and headed for the coast road, the Pacific Highway 1 to be precise. This is a famous scenic route, often included in those "10 best drives ever" lists, and it didn't disappoint. Soon after reaching the ocean we stopped at San Simeon, (famous for Randolph Hearst's castle), there was a pier, and from the pier we watched a whale breaching, dolphins cruising around, sea otters and loads of other wild life. We don't have binoculars or a really good camera with us, (I use the iPad for photos), so didn't get any decent pictures.

The Hearst estate chapel

5 miles further north we came across a beach full of basking elephant seals, at first you may think they're dead, but they are very much alive, and massive! https://youtu.be/Q_tIsTxXsVE

No they're not dead, just "basking"!

After this whale sightings became rather common place, we could have stopped every couple of miles. The road is very spectacular, last about 90 miles and "gas" stations are few and far between, the road really is remote and when we were able to fill up it was a relief.

90 odd miles of twists and turns, and breathtaking views!

Our lodgings in Carmel are great, this Airbnb system is a wonderful arrangement, we are staying in an upstairs apartment, the owners live below. We are very close to down town Carmel, which is extremely trendy and full of exclusive little boutiques and "studios".

We are up the stairs... It's about 8:30 pm.