It was a beautiful Central Coast day – until 3:30 pm today.

We left Cambria around 8:30 am and traveled 12 miles on Route 1.  Our first “detour” was in Cayucos, where we discovered the Brown Butter Cookie Company:  “Life’s Short, Eat Cookies”.

Back on Route 1, we continued into Morro Bay, a beautiful seaside town, except for the utility chimneys that spoiled the scenic views.  Our sag was just at the entry into Morro Bay State Park.

To keep us off Route 1, we cycled around Los Osos, into the arid foothills, with a few ranches and only a small herd or two of cattle.  For a while, we had a wonderful tailwind and I was moving along at 18+ mph.

Intermittently we saw very green fields, including one where they were planting cabbage.  Around mile 35 we came into San Luis Obispo, a college town (California Polytechnic University), also a mission dating from 1772, established by Brother Juniper Serra.  The historic downtown is alive, with plenty of restaurants and national & local retail establishments.

For 7+ miles, we paralleled Route 101, before arriving in Pismo Beach, a pleasant seaside town.  I wandered briefly near the wharf, which is being reconstructed after years of decay.   Our hotel was back close to the highway, but I stopped first for a snack and a manicure before cycling into the Oxford Suites Hotel.

I was so relaxed after the manicure and hand massage, that I decided to head into the whirlpool with my cycling clothes on – and my phone in the back pocket!  Thus began the horrors of the day:  quick exit from the hot tub, dry off the phone, put into rice, ultimately connect with Apple Support, make an appointment at the Genius Bar back in San Luis Obispo, have Fran, one of the sag drivers, take me by car into SLO, ultimately replace my phone (thank goodness for Apple Care Plus) – I’m pretty much back in business.

Garmin:  53.94 miles, 12.49 mph, 2185 ft ascent.

Relive:  https://www.relive.cc/view/1236753951

All photos from today are lost, though I am sure I can/will “borrow” some from others.