Marina to Big Sur - 48.5 miles. SPECTACULAR.

Today we were expecting a tough cycle, many hills with poor hard shoulders, we were not disappointed, in anticipation we decided to keep the mileage low. Picked up our route easily, ( we had deviated from it yesterday ) and headed for first stop of Monteray. This is a paradise for cyclists, walkers and joggers as our journey followed a two way, broad bike path for about 10 miles. Very busy on a Sunday morning. We got a bit lost in Monteray so took some local advise, which usually works in our favour, but not in this case. Big long detour round Pacific Grove, watched surfers, fascinating, but taking far too long. We then cut back to our main route but this took us up the steepest climb so far. Never again, follow our map to the letter. Quite pleased and surprised that we didn't start blaming each other.  We stopped in Carmel Highlands for shop bought lunch, no other place for 23 miles. From now on the road was narrow, poor hard shoulder with busy close traffic and extremely hilly, constant. Needed a lot of concentration both physically and mentally. To make up for this the scenery was absolutely spectacular  - rugged sweeping coastline, cliffs, pounding surf. There were plenty vista points thank goodness as it was difficult coping with the busy road conditions and oohing and aahhing over the views. Weather was strange though, one moment glorious sunshine, next moment thick mist rolled in. I just loved it though, I enjoy the challenge of heavy traffic, beautiful scenery, reminds me why I enjoy touring so much. We arrived in Big Sur and booked into a quite posh hotel. The hills were constant and hard today but I finished strong, think I am becoming more fit. Murray is suffering from a bad cold today, must have caught it in the cold mist of last night, he is strong on the hills, coping well but is complaining of a sore bum. Men always seem to suffer that way, need more padding. Had a huge plate of pork ribs, chips and coleslaw tonight, enough for two but I ate the lot. Loved today, scenery was absolutely spectacular, roll on tomorrow.