July 16, 2009
Day 7: To Plaskett Creek campground
I must be well rested because I was up at 6:50 and on the road at 8:15. The weather was sunny and warm at the Pfeiffer Big Sur campground and during the climb to the 900 foot summit that separates the inland valley from the ocean. But a surprise greeted me when I looked down from the summit-no ocean. Just a blanket of fog not far below.
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The road promptly descended into the fog. Later a couple of the taller hilltops were in the sun just above the fog, but most of the time the road was in dense fog. Sometimes I could hear waves and barking sea lions, but I couldn't see them. The temperature was 58F with no wind. I wore tights and a jacket.
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The book highly recommends the 10 minute hike to see a beach waterfall at Julia Pfeiffer Burns state park. It was worth the walk, even with dense fog.
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7 months ago
7 months ago
In the afternoon the fog finally lifted 200 or more feet above the ocean. The views of the ocean were decent, but of course the mountains just disappear into the fog.
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I was passed by at least 10 touring cyclists today. Most of them camped at the same place I did last night. But they all went farther today. At 3:30 I pulled into the Plaskett Creek campground, run by the US Forest Service. It doesn't have showers. Maybe that why I'm the only cyclist here. I have a water sack and shower hose, so I made my own shower. I could easily have biked further today, but the next decent campsite is too far for my preference. When I have to choose between "too short" or "too long" I usually choose short.
I walked to the nearby Jade beach. It was quite a rocky scramble to get down to the beach. People are allowed to keep jade that they find below the low tide line.
Today was quite a contrast from yesterday. I would prefer sunshine and good visibility, but fog adds to the variety of experiences. Big Sur is famous for fog during summer.
Distance: 35.5 mi (57 km)
Climbing: 2799 ft (848 m)
Average speed: 8.7 mph (13.9 km/h)
Max speed: 36.5 mph (58 km/h)
Hiking: 1 mi (1.6 km)
Today's ride: 36 miles (58 km)
Total: 268 miles (431 km)
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7 months ago