Let’s explore the central coast of California as I make my way north on Highway One, from the beach with the elephant seals towards Big Sur and the Monterey peninsula. This is day 4 of the adventure, if you want to go back to part 12 to consult the handy map I posted.

I stopped and made some new friends bellow Hearst Castle. That place is crazy. You should Google it.

I like making friends. I am not so shy with the furry ones.

Happy sea horses. HA!

I am not exactly sure when the coast of California becomes the central or Northern California.

There must be official dividing lines. Somebody should Google that too.

But I do know there is a vast difference between Southern and Northern California, especially on the coast.

For one thing, you get a lot more fog.

The hills go from dry, desert environment to something that reminds me of the Scottish Highlands.

And there is a wildness to everything.

There are a lot more trees.

The Pacific Ocean changes.

No more white sand beaches with palm trees and warm water.

It feels more sullen a lot of the time.

But we can discuss all that as we drive North.