Who would have thunk it would be so hard to find a CA map? The road atlas in the truck doesn't have very detailed state maps, and Hadley's yesterday wanted $12 (!) for their California maps. We had a hard time finding the visitor center in San Luis Obispo this morning - and once we finally did it turned out that they were out of state maps.  As was the gas station where we filled up (although the attendant did come out and take over cleaning the windshield for me, which was nice.)

We eventually picked up a California map in Morro Bay, and then went down by the water to see Morro Rock.  Didn't get my feet wet (yet) in the Pacific, but did see sea lions/seals (not sure what the difference is) and did a little foo foo shopping. Most stores were typical tourist traps, but we did stumble across one very nice shop where we made a connection for Tom to sell some of his knives. We passed up the skateboard museum (and our chance to see "the world's second largest skateboard") but I did get my picture taken with a mermaid. We also saw a South Carolina plate, another one of the 'missing seven' from our Colorado trip. I had a Crabby Patty for lunch - thought of you, Mom.

Outside of Cambria we took the scenic drive down along Moonstone Beach, then went walking.  I finally got my feet wet (the water was a little nippy) and collected some rocks, one especially perfect for Bana; Tom pronounced it the find of the day!  We saw a flock of pelicans, flying in a line. "Strange bird, the pelican; his beak can hold more than his belly can."  Later we stopped at Seal Beach - they were EVERYWHERE!

Enjoyed the scenic drive up Highway 1to Monterrey, then bailed off and headed to Salinas to pick up 101 towards Gilroy (where they hold the garlic festival every summer in July.) Another 'exciting' search in Salinas trying to follow signs to a visitor center, even though we thought it might be closed.  Which it was - missed it by 30 minutes.

Driving into Gilroy we saw lots of signs for garlic.  And even one for garlic wine... which boggles the mind!  Sure smells good around here. <g> The guy at The Garlic Shoppe gave us a recommendation for dinner at a Mom&Pop place in Old Gilroy, and following his directions we found the place - but it was closed.  So we just picked another place, but that didn't turn out too well.  :( 

Spending the night in Gilroy.  Again it feels good to stretch out on the bed, although I did less sitting today so I'm not nearly as achy.