Day 11 - Roadtrip Highway 101 - Big Sur

Big Sur is a picturesque coastal stretch between Santa Barbara and Monterey and the heart of the legendary Highway 101 (spoken as one-o-one).

Pretty much every Californian knows the road and the recommendations are overflowing, to stop and take photos at every spot.

My luck with the weather was moderate, foggy in the morning, clearing up more in the afternoon.

I make the first stops of the route in excited anticipation, of course, way too early.

You can't miss the colony of elephant seals (yes, that's what they're really called). You learn interesting things about the animals' life cycle - they lie around lazily on land to save energy because they only eat in the water. The flapping with the flipper is of course great and you would also like to join in, but it is said to be a sign of stress or distraction for the animals.

Lunch at the ultimate American burger joint - with ranch and an audience. (I stand out: no ice, no straw, burger with self-brought cutlery because otherwise there is only plastic, but I am not addressed - probably because of completely different things..)

Finally, Big Sur arrives - the scenery is movie-worthy. However, the question arises of how to fulfill expectations other than with viewpoints and tourist shops full of things that no one needs.

Well then, I'll just go on hikes, as you can see.. The tourist information is happy to help here.

Arrive in Monterey in the evening - and meet a German physicist from DESY again, whom I have already seen in the other hostel. He kindly brought me my microfiber towel that I forgot.

Having dinner together was quickly agreed upon and we talk about all kinds of topics.