17 miles and Freeway 1

After spending couple of days in San Jose with my parents, me and my husband drove down to LA by using freeway number 1, which eventually merge to 101. This road takes longer than number 5, which goes straight through the land but we've chose the road with a coast view to enjoy.



Driving for 1.5 hours from San Jose, we reach Montrey.



Montrey is a classic fisherman's town famous for great Aquarium. Since we have limited time, we had to skip aquarium but took quick tour here.



Montrey is very traditional town. It used to be the first wharf successful in California. Now it is much smaller than that of San Francisco but you can still enjoy great seafoods and cram chowder.


The house, which used to be a can factory reminds visitor of those old days.



Then we left Montrey and took the famous toll road of "17 miles". Although it unusual toll street (9 dollars) in US, it is one of the favorites among tourists.



Unfortunately it was foggy day but absolutely worth paying!



Lots of great view points of beach. I felt the power of ocean.



So-called "Ghost Tree".



and the symbol of Montrey, "lone Cypres".



Cypres is the typical tree grown in this area. But this "lone Cypress" is a famous one which stands on the cliff alone apart from other tree. The fog even increase the feeling of it's loneliness.



We had quick coffee at Camel. Camel is a city often being visited together with Montrey. Two cities are connected with 17 miles. But the character of the city are totally different. Camel is quite European. It also has a beautiful beach and would be better if the weather was good.



Pretty shop those who taking good care of your garden.



We continued driving. Winning road continue along coast side and we had to stop several times to breath the breeze from ocean and feel the power of pacific. View point were often thrilling. We stood at the edge of the cliff.



Fog cleared up once we left winning coast. Finally we saw clear californian sky.



I say this it the real American drive!



Even the dog is enjoying a ride.



Before arriving to the place where we staying, we found such a funny beach!




Beach for Elephant Seal!!!!


How lovely and funny this creature is,,, has been written on the other page!



We departed San Jose around 9am and at 5pm, we arrived at Sycamore, where we staying.
I really recommend staying here for those who driving down. It locating completely between San Francisco and Los Angeles so you arrive here around the time you feel exhausted. Perfect place to take rest!

Kingdom of Seal Elephant

On the way from San Francisco to Los Angeles, (close to Sycamore) there is a Elephant Seal beach.



After driving down this foggy Freeway 1, here it comes..



First, I had to doubt my eyes.



On the beach, you only hear sqeeking voice of seals and wave. It looks like they are gathering together to keep warm. Just like human do!! Maybe there is even a community for each group!



Some could be really agressive...



Almost start biting each others...



Fighting even in water..



So agressive they barking each others but all of sudden..



Sleep. Hey, don't you care which one has won??



I think this guy is the king. Unbelievably huge.



This small one has been barked by other and now moving his place. Poor boy.



This guy doesn't care of the others and happy to be alone. Giving himself foot massage.

Now they are having peaceful life but about 100 years ago, they were about to dying out. They have been captured too much due to their body oil. But now they are protected by law and continue increasing their number.



In this beach, it is prohibited to feed them. People only allow to enjoy this unique creature from the trail above on the beach.

Once you get tired from driving long freeway, wahching Seal Elephant is fun way to refresh!