We hit the pavement by 8:00 after 'devouring' the Continental Breakfast that the Travelodge offered.
The forecast was for high temperatures today and that is what we got. It reached 30 degrees by 10:00. Not what you want when you are climbing. We had read about the climb up and away from Lompoc and had been told by locals how hard it would be. It never really lived up to its billing. It was a long one, 25 kilometers, but a relatively easy one up through cattle country. What was different about this cattle area was that we actually saw some of the ranch buildings and corrals as well as lots of cattle. Considering what these cattle are grazing on they look really good.
With the temperatures around 30 degrees it was a welcome sight to see the sign that said that we were about to have a 7 degree downhill run for 3 kilometers. The descent was one of the best of the entire trip. We were able to 'coast' at speeds exceeding 50 kilometers per hour for the whole 3 kilometers. We did not have to touch our brakes...good thing as our brake pads are pretty much 'toast'! Today was the last big climb of this adventure...at least that is what we think.
The rest of the day was spent on the shoulder of the expressway Highway 101. Our constant companion through most of California, Highway 1, came to an end today. We were also blessed with a tail wind as we rode along the ocean once again. It was nice to be back out along the coast as for the last couple of days we had been playing up in the hills.
We are camping in Refugio State Park Hiker/Biker. The park is located about 30 kilometers north of Santa Barbara. We are steps from the ocean and set up under some palm trees. We arrived here by 12:30 earlier than we are used to getting to a campground. It is nice to be able to relax for the afternoon watching the waves crash on the sand/rubble beach.
Refugio got its name because it was here that Spanish smugglers took refuge from the authorities in the late 1700's and very early 1800's. Today it is a major oil producing area...at least it is out in the ocean. We can see 4 oil platforms from our campsite.
Trip Distance = 57.26 km. Time on the Bikes = 4 hours 1 minute. Average Speed = 14.26 km. Maximum Speed = 57.30 km. Wildlife Sightings = Coots, Mallards, Heermans Gull, Herring Gulls, Red Tailed Hawk, Hermit Thrush, Scrub Jay, Brown Pelicans, Ground Squirrels, Meadowlarks, unidentified Wren.
Calf Laying In Field...Green Grass They Were Eating Was Seeded Down
Oil Platform Off The Coast
Camping On The Ocean Under The Palm Trees
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