5th Day, Obispo to Gaviota State Beach Park

Today (Thursday) I got up early again, wheels rolling out of San Luis Obispo at 7:30 AM. I stopped for breakfast around 8:30 AM in a restaurant build within 2 old railroad cars; It consists of two streamlined passenger cars: a smooth-side diner and a fluted Budd obs-lounge.They served an “el-cheapo” weekday breakfast of 2 eggs, 2 links, hash brown potatoes, and whole wheat bread.  Al for $5.99.

While I was having my breakfast, Tyler (another touring cyclist who started in SF) rode by again. Over the last few days we have been passing each other several times. Typically he passes when I am having a break, and later I will pass him uphill. Today we met twice on the road, exchanged some chit-chat, and then each continues their own pace.

Today there were several long stretches without any markets or gas stations for refueling, so while enjoying the beautifull views, I had to plan my water and food carefully.

Beautifull Views

Just before a long climb up to Lompoc,  I was running out of water, but was able to divert my route for half a mile in to the town of Orcutt. Filled up my 3 water bottles, and treated myself for a strawberry ice-cream at “Dr Burnstein’s Ice Cream Lab” ;o)

Dr Burnstein's Ice Cream Lab

In Lompoc I stopped for lunch at “Panda Express” and had a “Panda-bowl” with chow-mien and Orange-Chicken. Yummy! Out of Lompoc I saw a whole bunch of horses. I wasn’t sure if those were from the Lompoc horse sanctuary.  A Dutch friend did a photo-shoot seminar in Lompoc a few months ago. Took a picture, maybe she recognizes them.

Horses in Lompoc (Sanctuary?)

Trip ended uneventful (no flats, no broken spokes) in Gaviota State Beach Park after riding ~83 miles (Garmin GPS Plot) and several thousand feet of climbing. Had again a “hiker/biker” site, now for $10.

Hiker/Biker Site

The hot showers were next to my campsite, and I was spotless clean again for 3 quarters.  That was 50 cents for the body, and 25 cents for shampooing my cycle-gear.  Hey…a man wants to smell good while riding his bicycle! Even my swallow friends up in the attic approved of my cleanliness  ;o)

Peeping (Tom) Swallow

Since there were no stores around, I had to settle again for noodles and tuna. Had some nuts for desert and went to bed around 8 pm.

Tomorrow I will decide whether I stop in Santa Barbara, or keep going as far south as I can. At this moment it is clear that riding home to Ramona before Sunday is out of reach. I might as well enjoy the beautiful Santa Barbara with my wife for a day (if she is willing to pick me up...).