Day 7: San Simeon

It had been 18 years since I had been to the Monterey Bay Aquarium. It was the end of school year field trip in the fifth grade, so I didn't remember much. What I do know now is that this aquarium is far better than the one in Long Beach.

There is so much to see, the exhibits are bigger, and they have penguins – my favorite. The first thing I did was watch the staff feed the penguins.

I walked around the aquarium for the next couple of hours. They have exhibits featuring fish from the deep, sea otters, shore animals and jelly fish.

As I left the Monterey Bay area, I stopped off and got gas. In hindsight, it was the smartest thing I did. One of the next signs I saw was a curves ahead warning sign that said they were for the next 70 miles.

I was never happier that I had a manual transmission because for the next couple of hours it was some of the most intense driving I've ever done. Mountain drives are usually the best and I thought my drive up to Lake Arrowhead and Big Bear on California Highway 18 would never be topped. But driving from Carmel to the Monterey-San Luis Obispo county line was exhilarating.

Danger and beauty was around every corner and driving with a manual only added to it since I was shifting constantly. Those of you lucky to ride with me while I am driving know there is only one way I take turns: aggressive. This drive kept me on edge.

The sights are just as amazing. The Bixby Creek Bridge shows the beauty of Depression Era architecture.

There are many turnouts so you can take pictures, too many to choose from to be exact. One of the best stops was at the Los Padres National Forest picnic area located at Willow Creek. There is a drive down to a pebble beach, which is secluded. It was a nice break from the driving.

But the drive is not all on the coast; it turns inland at Big Sur where the trees and mountain range give you the feel that the beach is miles away. And just as you think you are, the coast reappears.

Then the road straightened out as San Simeon was about 6 miles away. By the way, Los Angeles is 256 miles away from that same post.

The hotel I stayed at was just off the highway and the beach was a short walk away.

And again, another great sunset.

I've decided to make one more stop on this trip and it will be in Lompoc. I am also planning on visiting a state park called Montaña del Oro.

Miles traveled today: 102

Miles traveled total: 942