Monday 9 September 2013
Day 4. Big Sur to San Simeon. 68.4 miles.
"This is relentless" was the anguished cry that I heard behind me today. Murray was right, the hills today were ruthless and relentless. We left Big Sur knowing we were in for another exacting day. Firstly, we stopped at Pfehffer Park and saw the Redwood Trees, massive, well worth the stop, but the hills were waiting and we had to go. For the next 50 miles it was up, up, with very little down. Thank goodness it wasn't like this on the first day or I don't know how I would have coped. The weather was strange, misty and damp making conditions wet and quite dangerous at times, we had to put our lights on. At it's worst I could hardly see Murray just in front of me. Apparently hot air rises in the interior, causing coastal air to sweep in. We could see the mist hit the cliff, pour over the road then continue up the hillside. Very eerie. As a result we missed some great views , on the plus side it kept us cool on the hills and stopped me taking so many photos. I think Murray is beginning to get irritated with me always stopping and starting. We eventually saw the sun but only when we cycled above the clouds. I kid you not. At last we left the hills behind and had 18 miles of flat riding with tail wind. We passed a beach covered by Sea Lions, and watched them playing in the sea. On the left towering over the coast is Hearst Castle build by W.R. Hearst. Tours by booking only. Murray still has his cold but it is not affecting his cycling, we padded his bum well today so matters are no worse?? Cycle touring is hard, unpredictable; the reality is different from reading a blog. It takes great motivation and determination to get up early every day and get on the bike, often when it is the last thing you feel like doing. Today was exhausting but we did it, and did it well. Tomorrow should be flatter and not so long - a piece of cake.
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