The Pacific Coast Highway...

At the beginning of summer time we sat with our children during a Family Home Evening and gave them each the opportunity to give one idea as to what they would like to do during break.  Our oldest son Kalen has wanted to drive a significant part of the PCH.  Also known as the Pacific Coast Highway or Hwy 1.  This is the world famous coastal highway found in Northern California that stretches for most of the state of California. 

The first section of Hwy 1 opened in the Big Sur region in the 1930's.  My dad and I drove this hwy many times growing up.  Consequently Big Sur became my favorite place of all time to camp.  And we camped everywhere. 

Below at our first stop,  was a local family farm that had their produce out.  Most of these farms use the honor system as you take what you want and leave your money in a box.  We purchased 100 oranges for $20.00.
 

The start of this trip was to the Budrow's house for the fourth of July.  From their house we woke up early the morning after the fourth and started our route from Atascadero on north to our neck of the woods.  I thought it was appropriate to drive this highway after the fourth since Wikipedia calls this California State highway "The All American Road."  And it absolutely is. 
 

The children are having fun looking at the livestock...chickens, goats, and sheep.
 

Our second stop was at the quaint town of Cambria.  It's a typical little beach town tucked away off the coast that offers gourmet food, antiquing and other special shops that can't be resisted.
 

Of course the children got to pick a treat each.  The lollipop that was as big as Shane's head was the hit of the day.
 

That lollipop is going to be in just about all of these pictures.  :)
 

 

Sisters...so cute.  Except Georgia has green teeth from her "Fun Dip."  Lovely... :)
 

I told the kids to climb into the most famous flower for eating...the nasturtium.  You can pop these flowers right into your salads. 
 

Leaving Cambria and back on the road.  We took two cars as we can't fit into one anymore.  I love taking two cars.  It's quieter when the kids are halved.  :)
 

Our next stop was San Simeon, where the famous Hearst Castle lives.  This is San Simeon beach directly across the highway from the ranch that Hearst Castle is settled on.  The ranch owns this piece of the beach and this is their famous pier.  Before coming here we drove up to the castle and toured the visitor center. 
 

 

We hung out on the beach for about an hour and a half.  The kids boogie boarded, frolicked in the water, played in the sand and hit a few baseballs.
 

 

 

 

Next stop was the famous Elephant Seal Beach.  It was awesome!!!!  I remember coming here with my dad, but I was pretty little. 
 

Those slugs out there are not rocks, or logs but Elephant Seals!!!  They are huge!  And they make the funniest noises, the kids were cracking up!!!  They are so cute!
 

This coast brings back so many happy memories.  When I was younger my dad and I started this drive in Los Angeles and drove it all the way up past the city of San Francisco.  We camped along the way and it took about four days. 
 

We had such a wonderful time.  We got home at eleven that night.  It's amazing all of the places we stopped and were able to enjoy and we did it in one day!!!  We took our time, stopped when we wanted to.  Just like you should when you drive along the "all American road."
 

Until next time...it was the perfect day.