DAY 35/36 - Big Sur, CA - Morgan Hill, CA - San Francisco, CA

I did as instructed by Isabel the housekeeper and arrived at a secret garden on the side of Route one near Big Sur. We entered the steep downhill driveway and drove down to the front of the house. It was so foggy and wet that it felt like someone cranked up the humidifier in the whole area. We were all alone there and felt extremely special to have the opportunity to sleep on our very own cliff on the Pacific Ocean. We pitched our tents on the grass in the exterior garden, and walked down the narrow pebble path to see the view. It was just stunning! I felt like I was in heaven. Below us the waves were hitting the rocky cliff in such intensity that it felt as though they would cause an earthquake. In the distance we could hear the sea lions crying out to each other and tried to figure out where they were laying. I turned around to see the house and was impressed by the newish design it had. It was all made out of wood and glass and gave an illusion of a small hovel, but as you got closer you could see it was quite large. Uri and I are so grateful for all of Rick's help in finding new and exciting places to stay at on our voyage, and are pleased to meet these kind people too.

It was a cold night but our sub-zero degree sleeping bags did the job. We packed our gear, locked the gate behind us and headed out into the cloudy mountains of Big Sur. As I was riding through the misty terrain it seemed as though it would clear up any minute, but it didn't. This is typical weather for the coastal area at this time of year, and I understand that in the winter, on the contrary, it clears up. We stopped at a tiny gas station on the top of the hill and were shocked to see the price of gasoline, $5.99, which is the most I have ever paid on our trip. The double espresso at the small coffee shop gave us both a boost of energy and we continued on the beautiful scenic road. On our way we saw plenty of bikers and they all had the courtesy to wave us hello. It also is common to see cyclists biking from San Francisco to LA which is considered one of the more difficult rides, but most scenic of them all.

The GPS on Uri's Yamaha took us to Dunn street on Morgan hill and we ate lunch while I was waiting for a reply from Daphna for their address in Morgan Hill. Daphna and Peter had inspired me before and while I was on the motorcycle trip, and as bikers themselves gave me tips on how to do it correctly. I received the address in a txt and was happy it was only a 5 minute ride from our location. As we took a left onto their street I saw Peter waiving to us to pull straight into the open garage door right next to his YZF 1. He welcomed both of us with a warm smile and made us feel at home before I even unclipped my helmet. Peter has been riding since he was 9 years old and had a lot of useful knowledge to share with us.

After the short visit with Daphna and Peter we unpacked our gear in their house because we were invited to stay, in Daphna's words, for as long as we want. We were very happy and gracious on the warm and loving hospitality they had to offer. It was getting late so instead of going into San Fran we changed our plan and got some snacks and rode up to Uvas canyon and sat on the lake to see the moon rise. We relaxed on the shore and talked about this and that. Our whole bike trip has had ups and downs, and I always enjoy sitting in the outdoors and forgetting about all the logistics and small details of life, and just letting my mind settle. It got dark so we took the ride back slowly and carefully so as not to have an accident. We slept the night at Daphna's house which was on soft cushioned beds that made it feel like I was at home.

At noon we left the house in Morgan Hill and drove through the light traffic into San Francisco. The entrance into the peninsula was gorgeous. Water from either side and both of us cruising into the most hilly city in the United States. We drove in a walked around chinatown and wondered how people get around on the nearly vertical roads without tumbling down. After lunch we sat at a local bar near Mission district with Uri's close freind. Later on I left the two and drove to Berkeley to spend the Shabbat with the Alper's and Uri stayed in town with his friend. As of now I am very excited to see more of this amazing city and am so grateful we made it to our final destination.