Sean met us again in time for terrible coffee and we left Cambria pretty early. He took us north along the truly wonderful piece of coastline called Highway 1 that was unfortunately largely covered in fog… in the middle of summer… because California, apparently. When it did clear we go the most amazing views of the pacific ocean.
And then it got better when we turned inland near somewhere called Half Moon Bay and Sean took us through this incredible redwood forest. Id say this might well have been the highlight of our ride so far, but the whole day was pretty amazing.
Sean then delivered us safe and sound to Janelle’s old school friend Chetta in San Jose and we spent 2 night with her and husband Andy. Home cooked meals, washing and an oil change for the bikes, and for good measure a lesson on how Harley Engines work. Nuff Said. And we managed to get in a little shopping as well.
But most importantly, we got in some practice for the crazy messed up road systems we would shortly encounter.
And talking of San Francisco….
Sean again played awesome guide for us, arrived at San Jose at 8am and we rode out and headed north for the hour easy run the the Golden Gate. We hit the traffic about 20 minutes out but negotiated it fairly easily and then suddenly this thing loomed out of the fog in front of us. We pulled into the visitors centre to plan the ride over.
Photo’s, coffee, and a ride we will never forget before a stop on the lookout (Vista Point in american) on the other side to try and see something through the fog, but more importantly, to farewell our awesome guide Sean.
You Sir are an absolute legend and we insist that you and your lady come down to Australia to give us the opportunity to return all the favour. And try some more Aussie wine.
And then there was San Francisco! What can be said that already hasn’t been. We didn’t get to Alcatraz cause we didn’t book last year… but we walked (and rode) through Fisherman’s Wharf, caught a famous cablecar to Union Square, navigated those hills… and the fog… and the wind, ate clam chowder and took it all in. I don’t know who built a city on the edge of a cliff… but it’s both iconic and to be avoided at all costs. What a crazy place.
We also caught up with our friend Lisa who has flown over from Florida to hook up and travel with us for a few weeks. Damn good to see you again girl, and in time time honoured tradition of Long Way Down she is now officially our American Fixer.
Two night in the craziness of what is apparently the most expensive city in the world was enough. We got up with the sun on Thursday morning and made the 3 hour ride directly inland to Lodi to meet Doug and pick up this tent we arranged to buy of him ages ago. And what a winner it is!. But more of that next time.
