Ann Hartley
Coming down out of Los Padres National Forest on Forest Road 95 which has various other names, but is one of the most beautiful scenic roads in California, the road to the left in this photo goes to Bitter Creek National Wildlife Refuge. In spring the fields are covered with wildflowers. In the hot August sun all the creatures I saw driving through this huge reserve were birds and butterflies, but it was still a delightful drive.
Unfortunately, smoke from many forest fires marred the horizon and although it was still majestic one can only imagine how magnificent this road through the forest would be on a clear day. Aside from the smoke and the fact that none of the state or federal workers I spoke with earlier had ever been on Road 95, the only other down side is that the area is so remote that there is no wifi for hundreds of miles. Near the small town of New Cuyama the little “x” over my phone’s bar meter turned to an “R” but it was hours more of driving before a normal signal appeared.
I had intended to camp on the beach in the State Park near Pismo Beach, but when I got there a long line of people were being turned away because of a high tide warning. What looked like hundreds of people had tents pitched on patches of grass here and there along Hwy 1. I was glad to find another place to stay.
Yes Barb, I can identify with those feelings. I am being sure to see as much as I can while I can.
I’d love to see that territory sometime, but not while alone. I had a tough enough time driving to Santa Barbara alone yesterday. You did get a great photo. I used to have your sense of adventure and might have been willing to take the risk back then, but not now.
Beautiful story and a marvellous photo. 🙂
I had a really good time that day and am glad to have gotten some photos.
Beautifully presented and written camp is something of the most beautiful – you have a contact with nature
There was a lovely campground a few miles back from where I took that picture and I would like to have stayed there a night, but had to keep going.
A great story reminding us all to take what is given us and make something good.
Yes, after being turned away I found an alternative campsite that was really nice and that I would happily use again.
That is good to hear, always good to know where the campsites are.
I hope you have fun on your trip, wherever it takes you
I did, Alex, it was a short trip and now I’m back to my castle…for a few weeks anyway.
I see, your majesty. Then this was an affair of state?
Indeed it was, although I did take the long way home.
For security reasons, her majesty shouldn’t publish such details
You are correct, although that is why we have a moat.
a wonderful story, thanks for sharing
Thank you for reading my post, vidocka.
Nice story.Thank you Ann.
Thank you for the visit, Robin!