Day 85 / Tag 85 June 5 Highway One San Francisco to Santa Cruz

I had always wanted to drive down Highway California 1, aka Pacific Highway One, or PHW1.
I had been driving and delivering cars all across the continent during my last (and first) stay in the US, back in 1986. But I didn't find a car to deliver from SF to LA then, so I took the Greyhound bus at night. What a shame, this is supposed to be one of the most beautiful roads ever. So I wanted to do it right this time:
Rent a decent car, take my time and enjoy the ride. Made it a Ford Mustang Convertible, five days and all my equipment ready to go.

After a gorgeous breakfast at Mel's Drive In, Belgian Waffle with hot strawberries and whipped cream, some freshly squeezed real Orange juice and Coffee refills,

I drove to Best Buy in Geary Ave to take care of the electronic devices.

Tested everything in the shop: Power Plug Adaptor ok, found the right cable for my external drive, et voilà, it works! Glad, it wasn't the drive itself, but the cable.

Last Station SF: Haight Ashbury, just around the corner.

50 years anniversary of Summer of Love '67, even my GPS
and Google Maps tell me so. Looks like an Open Air Museum of long gone times. You can still buy everythingyou need to look like a '67 Hippie, only today the labels will read "Made in China"...
I buy another pack of Camel Regulars in one of the Headshops, at $10.25. Now that's why nobody smokes here...

I escape from the city on the west side, following a route as close as possible to the Pacific Ocean, go through Twin Peaks and finally hit Highway One south to Pacifica and Santa Cruz.

Have a coffee at the pier and small talk with the fishermen

Then finally, Open Road!

The Pacific is not pacific...

Stop at the Pigeon Point Lighthouse, which serves as a Youth Hostel now,

Stopping every now and then for fotos,

Other people take pictures, too, mostly of themselves

I finally reach Santa Cruz at 6pm, find Motel Capri, not too far away from the famous Boardwalk.
Santa Cruz was home to Jack O'Neill, surfing pioneer, who died here three days ago

Tacos at Woody's Diner on the Fisherman's Wharf, and back to Capri.
Wahoo, I am on Highway One South!

See you under water