Sue - a coastal cruise down Hwy1 plus an unexepected diversion!

They say that no trip to California is 'worth its salt' without a jaunt along the scenic central coast. Well it sure is beautiful in a very untouched raw way. It's a far cry from what I have seen of the Californian beaches 25 years ago - the commercial surfy beaches of SoCal (Southern California). As we drive along the high cliffs, we spot a few pods of dolphins along the coastline.

We were heading south but this photo is taken looking north 

We see some signs, that alert us to road closure - oh no - our scenic coastal drive is going to be cut in half by a non avoidable detour inland. This is a wild inland road, winding and winding and winding and more winding as we steeply climb inland - this is a huge detour and takes us to who knows where!!!! Again, it's surprising how the landscape changes so dramatically - once we are back inland and pass over the coastal mountains we are back in dry, hot climate. We are getting low on petrol, but civalisation is not particularly evident anywhere! YES, we see a small local store that sells gas....at HUGE prices. We aren't travelling with a physical road map and at times like this when we have no idea where we are going, relying on 'Doris' our GPS is a bit hair raising. I think that we should have just put more trust in her, because she was right most of the time! My recommendation for anyone doing a road trip though, is don't leave home without your GPS and your map! Eventually we link back to the highway and back on the road to Santa Barbara.
Due to our unexpected detour, we arrive later than expected  - early evening - it's Friday night and we cannot find accommodation anywhere that fits our budget. Later we read in the guide book, to be prepared for a price shock. Places are either too expensive or full. Oh dear! After no success, we head further south, try another town and then another - stop at Carls Jnr for an American fast food dinner experience (green burritos - uuuugh no!) and eventually find some accomodation (by this time it's well after 10pm) in Ventura. Yes, we are ready for sleep!