The ride through San Luis Obispo reminded me a lot of rides through Astero in Palo Alto - dry, rolling grasslands - except it was a bit hillier and hotter. Also the cows here seem to be "smart." I swear they openly enjoy watching me grinding up the hill!
I enjoyed today's nice little route (following mostly Adventure Cycling's maps). The excursion around Morro Bay was pleasant. The weather ranged from foggy and misty in the morning to warm and dry - but never hot - from noon on.
San Luis Obispo was a touristy but likable little town. I visited the Mission and walked along Higuera St. I didn't eat there because I had too many Cliff Bars earlier this morning.
Pismo Beach is well known for its dunes. I spent over an hour walking along the ocean and the dunes. I saw people on dune buggies, kite flyers, wind surfers, barbecuers, and even a kite surfer!
I had meant to walk to the "pure" dunes (long stretches of dunes without any vegetation) but eventually gave up. I went South along the beach from the campground and found a large patch of "pure" dunes, separated by a little stream, a flock of some "one thousand" (seemed like it) sea birds, and a low lying fence with "sensitive environment" warning signs. I decided not to cross it. As it turned out, the fence was to keep buggy vehicles, not people, out. I didn't go back again, partly because the wind was really howling by then. The wind surfers were definitely having the times of their lives, but I don't think it would have been too much fun walking in the middle of a sand dune at that time.
Tomorrow I ride inland around Vandenburg Air base. The ride might be a bit challenging (because of elevation and temperature), so I am going to turn in a bit early now.
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