We passed on going south to LA because we needed a slow day so we headed over to Refugio Beach, CA. At little gloomy from the June fog but we still enjoyed hanging out together. Thankfully this beach was just minutes from our campsite more area to play than El Cap beach.
Here we were able to explore the rocky coastline and appreciate the differences between east coast and west coast. It was a nice beach but the kids were a little apprehensive about swimming with the occasional patch of seaweed. The kids were also a little jealous watching a group of 200 kids participate in what appeared to be a children’s lifeguard camp. At the camp, they worked out, had short lectures and then when the tide turned they all grabbed surfboards and headed in.
We truly appreciate all the feedback on the road that helped us make changes to our trip. When we told people we were driving from Santa Barbara to Monteray on Hwy 1 they said enjoy the view but it is going to take you forever. With that warning we left Ocean Mesa a day early and drove up to San Simeon state park in order to get 2 hours up the coast.
Arriving late at a sate park in a popular area is not the best game plan but we managed to find a spot. We paid for a spot over the phone but when we arrived it was too steep. Realizing this we went back to the office which was now closed. Each camp site has a host that can help in situations like this and they said to pick anywhere that did not have a reservation tag. About a half mile up the hill was what the called primitive sites with no hook ups and we were excited about our first night boondocking. This is camping without any utility hookups. It usually refers to being in a remote location but this was our first test run. The battery and propane can run the refrigerator, water pump for sinks and toilet as well as all the interior lights. What you don’t have is AC, Microwave and any of the power outlets.
Team Hester 