America's #1 Highway – June 15, 2009

Monday morning we left San Diego with fond memories and headed north. Originally intending to make a single day trip up the central valley, we altered our plans and decided to spend two days going up the Pacific Coast Highway, California 1. First we had to navigate the maze of freeways in and around Los Angeles. Passing thru familiar territory in Tustin and Orange County a lapse in navigation got us on southbound California 60 headed back for San Diego. According to Dave, God must have known this and sent one of the most courteous CHP officers to correct my mistake. However, there was a price as the officer issued Dave a citation for following too closely. When asked where we were going he told us we were going the wrong way. He then proceeded to guide us along a confusing series of freeway on and off ramps until once again we were headed in the right direction. This area of Pomona where California 57, 60, 71 and I-10 come together is known as the Bermuda Triangle. According to the officer., they have difficulty responding to the scene of accidents in this area because people don't know where they are located. Unfortunately, he didn't have any difficulty finding my accident.

After leaving the sprawl of Los Angeles we stopped at the home of pea soup, Anderson's Pea Soup restaurant in Solvang. We were instantly transported to the roadside tourist traps of the 1950's. It was more Fred Harvey than Fred Harvey, more Stuckey's than Stuckey's more Frankenmuth than Frankenmuth. Not only that, you can get pea soup with anything. They had pea soup with sandwichs, salads, beef, pork, chicken and fish. They had bowls, cups, saucers, flagons and cauldrons of pea soup. Not only that, everyone in the family that ran Anderson's apparently had the first name of Famous. There was Famous John Anderson, Famous Mildred Anderson, etc. Actually, I love pea soup and since I was driving, we stopped at Famous Anderson's Pea Soup Restaurant. Dave was not happy.

The afternoon was uneventful as we traveled along US101 on our way to the Pacific Coast Highway. The forecast was for rain (remember that) so once again we changed our plans and instead of camping in one of the several state parks near Morro Bay we stayed at the Twin Dolphins motel. Our thanks to the helpful staff at the Twin Dolphins for their kind assistance and the room with a view of the Pacific that they provided us. After stocking up with groceries, we cooked a modest meal in the microwave in our room, did our laundry at the local launderette and slept in beds that did not rock or roll.

Next: Pacific Coast Highway.