Postscript

A Very Memorable Trip Around California

I drove a total of 1400 miles exactly. The Pacific Coast Highway section from Pacifica to Dana Point was 640 of those. I saw some amazing sights on PCH, it really is one of those ‘places’ that everyone must see and do before they die. It’s a true “bucket list” item.

I’m not sure what the major highlight was but the sunset at Asilomar Beach certainly was one. But as I wrote on the Big Sur page, “the section of PCH from around Plaskett to just before Ragged Point has to be the most amazing, mind-blowing section of road I have ever, ever driven in my life.”

The car trouble at the start of the trip affected me more than I thought at the time. It clearly upset plans and timings I’d made and maybe subconsciously I think it impacted on my enjoyment. But could I have done anything about this? No. The car and the subsequent illness with my sinuses was just ‘life’. As I found out on the Sierra Nevada trip the following year, it’s all part and parcel of doing a road trip. If ‘shit happens’, you just have to get on with it as best you can.

The days in Wine Country were good and the area is well worth a visit. Although one does need to be aware of the alcohol consumed in wineries if driving. Whilst I didn’t see any police presence on the roads, I believe one should never take a chance.

It was great to visit Levi’s Stadium – match result aside – and the Tour and Museum are very good.

Overall my trip planning worked out well. There were some tweaks I’ve noted for if I ever do this section of Highway 1 again. Namely to stay in new places, and figure out how to avoid the LA traffic. This is so I won’t just repeat what I’ve already seen and done. And if you ever do PCH, I’d definitely say that driving south is the best way to do it, because you’re on the ocean-side and get the best views.