On the scenic road to the coast we see some more of the most incredible scenery and we encounter some of the random acts of friendship that are commonplace.
The Stagecoach Inn
In the Stagecoach Inn we meet Ron who not only engages us with incredible stories about the area – like where Red Skelton used to live and where they filmed Bonanza – he then shouts our lunch…just to say ‘welcome’. Thanks Ron.
Old mates together again
San Diego and Shirl’s friend Phil has no idea we are on our way. She is gobsmacked when she opens the door and we are standing there. Thanks Ian and Sylvia for organising this surprise.
We get to spend another four days with these great friends. We visit the beach and watch Sarah as she discovers waves.
All together at San Diego Zoo
And we all love the San Diego Zoo…even Sarah who loves climbing the stairs as much as she loves the animals! Now the farewell is for a long time – no more surprises. Bloody hell, homesickness is a shocker.
Harli Ames - he's going to be a star!
We pop in to Pasadena to catch up with Melbourne actor Harli Ames and his enchanting wife, Kate. Harli and Kate are trying to make a go of their lives in the US and we wish them all the luck in the world. They deserve it. Shirl met Harli on the feature film The Cup. We know we’ll be able to say we knew Harli before he was rich and famous .
Ken & Millie felt at home in Toontown
Disneyland is wasted on children. We loved it in 1989 and we love it even more now. We go on rollercoaster rides and into the darkness of the haunted house. It’s a blast.
On our way to another terror ride
Universal Studios is even better. We have so much fun here it should be illegal! We go on everything from the new Transformers ride, to the Mummy and even the Simpsons and Shreck 3D rides.
I wan to suck your blood!
And Shirl encounters the ‘Count’.
Big Sur
The Big Sur beckons – one of the great motorcycle rides in the world. It doesn’t disappoint. The twists and turns take us along a coastline that is like the Great Ocean Road on steroids.
The weather is brilliant – sunshine and not too hot. It is perfect riding weather.
Elephant seals - lolling about
We visit the elephant seals…
Jelly fish
And see the jelly fish at the Monterey Aquarium.
The only disappointment is when we get to Monterey we can’t enjoy the 17-mile Drive because motorcycles are banned! Can you believe it? The wealthy residents of Pebble Beach don’t want motorcycles on their roads. “because they are too loud!” A BMW? They’re kidding. So much for public rights and freedoms! Discrimination against all motorcycles – how can this happen in the land of the free?
Not the 17-mile Drive
We move on – Next stop – San Francisco.
Brian & Shirly,
You’re definitely not missing anything back here in Melbourne. The weather is around 10 Deg. with a windchill factor of damn it’s cold. Sounds like America has been great. ould love to do 66 one day. Keep havin’ fun and stay safe. Safe trails.
Greg
Hi Brian & Shirley
You both appear to be well and enjoying it all. Just continue to make sure you take bike breaks regularly. You both must have by now an endless list of friends on the journey. Your pictures and posts are always a treat to enjoy. Keep safe.
Regards
Mark Stella
Melbourne
This is Colin (we met June 17 2012 at the Vagabond Motel in Bishop California with my brother Keith. He was the one filling the flat tire on my black truck. I was the one admiring your BMW and blown away by your journey). As coincidence would have it I live about 10 miles west of the Stagecoach Inn and go past it on my favorite Harley ride almost every weekend. Such a small world! You guys are the best. It was such a pleasure meeting you. If you ever come through Temecula California I’d be honored to be your host with a comfortable bed and a home cooked meal. I told the rest of my family that I’m visiting in Lake Tahoe California of you and your journey. Great people! Safe trip and keep spreading the joy! Colin.
hey brian here from fresno,ca.i hope the bmw dealer took care of you!one day maybe we will cross paths again.nice to meet you and have fun!
The photos look great, if you go through Idaho, head to the Rough Rider Saloon in Drummond near Ashton. It’s on E800N (route 32) off highway 20 south of Ashton. The owner is Clay, a top bloke but just don’t drink the potato vodka.
Heard you mention the beard on Friday. It certainly is flourishing well
It’s good to see you guys are traveling well. It was a pleasure to meet you guys and ride with you. It was also great to have your help fixing JJ’s bike. I will keep following. Oh small in comparison but me and Mick Bostock clocked up 7000 miles to get back to LA.
Best Wish’s,
Shep