The next day I had to start with another steep climb above Big Sur within a light mist. I stopped at a bakery for a scone and cookie: $6!!
I couldn’t help being snap happy during this leg as every valley yielded much spectacular scenery. After one curve, a rather large bird flying no more than 6 meters off the road approached me. At first I assumed it was a Turkey Vulture, however it soon became clear that the large pink head and impressive wingspan led me to believe that I was encountering a California Condor. I grabbed the brakes and froze, probably open-mouthed. As I child, we were taught about the plight of the Condors so for me it was a first hand representation of the concept of extinction. It was a real joy to see one in real life. Luckily it decided to land several meters behind me, so I had time to video him and take a few shots before some idiots who drove up to it to do the same thing spooked it.
At San Simeon State Park I met Maik and Mario, two Germans from what was originally East Germany. They had been on the road for the last 6 months, starting in the United Arab Emirates, Oman, Malaysia, Indonesia, Burma, Laos and Thailand. I may join them next year when they head to Iran from Germany.
It was nice to exchange stories over shared food and fire. I’ve discovered and embraced my nomadic self.
I couldn’t help being snap happy during this leg as every valley yielded much spectacular scenery. After one curve, a rather large bird flying no more than 6 meters off the road approached me. At first I assumed it was a Turkey Vulture, however it soon became clear that the large pink head and impressive wingspan led me to believe that I was encountering a California Condor. I grabbed the brakes and froze, probably open-mouthed. As I child, we were taught about the plight of the Condors so for me it was a first hand representation of the concept of extinction. It was a real joy to see one in real life. Luckily it decided to land several meters behind me, so I had time to video him and take a few shots before some idiots who drove up to it to do the same thing spooked it.
At San Simeon State Park I met Maik and Mario, two Germans from what was originally East Germany. They had been on the road for the last 6 months, starting in the United Arab Emirates, Oman, Malaysia, Indonesia, Burma, Laos and Thailand. I may join them next year when they head to Iran from Germany.
It was nice to exchange stories over shared food and fire. I’ve discovered and embraced my nomadic self.
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