Well, what a journey. 

It has been long, long journey, but, oh so worth it. I would advise anyone to take a road trip. At least once in their lifetime. Not only because of the sense of freedom you have from moving from place to place, no responsibilities or expectations except whatever is deemed necessary for the day. Or, the experience of discovery for the first time, finding things you were never aware of or places you didn’t know existed before. Of getting lost in the middle of nowhere and not caring one bit as eventually you will find your way to where you need to be. Of meeting random people and noting the kindness of complete strangers. 

That is the amazing, eye opening, possibilities of the road trip!  I so wish my friends and family could experience this with me. 

The first part of the road trip was easy enough, despite the complications with I navigation as mentioned in previous posts. Once I got off the freeway and actually began the journey on highway 1 it was simply a matter of trusting myself, knowing I was pointed in the right direction and heading off. No particular rush as I had no specific timeframe of arriving in Monterey. This enable me to be able to take my time, just me, the car and time. 

As a result I managed to see some really beautiful scenes 

Monterey itself was quiet and quirky, just right for an overnight pitstop before heading off for part 2 of the journey to Santa Monica. The second half didn’t disappoint. It was truly spectacular. 

I had chosen to do the route from north to south for the specific reason that this would enable me to be on the ‘scenic’ side of the road which essentially means I was driving on the side of the road near the edge of the cliff and was able to fully take in the surroundings. I set off at 10am and arrived in Santa Monica at 10pm. The reason it took so long was mainly due to the fact that I kept stopping on the way to look at the scenery every 10mins or so, and only a small amount was the traffic in LA.  Also, I needed to take pictures as well!!  It was just something that had to be done. Although tired and thoroughly fed up of driving at the end, I am so glad I did it. 

I was able to see the long winding road, the sea mist being carried in by the summer breeze deceptive in its camouflage of the highway and cliffs, beautifully natural coves and beaches, marshland and forest. To see every colour in the rainbow, to smell the salty air and to see fiery sunset over dramatic coastline and to hear the bark of sea lions. All of this on a single day, on a single highway.