Day 2 and 3 Klamath Falls to San Francisco to Solvang

I'm currently in Solvang valley, about 3hours north-west of LA. My plan of going back to LA tonight changed when I calculated that I would be in LA around 9pm tonight. The drive wouldn't be safe and would certainly not be pleasant. As well, since this is supposed to be relaxing, I thought I'd take it easy and stop for the night.

Let me quickly recount what has happened. Yesterday I drove from Klamath Falls to San Francisco. As promised, I got up at 4.30am to see the sunrise, it was amazing of course! I went back to sleep some more - need at least 7hours sleep. During the drive, I passed Mt Shasta then Shasta Lake. One observation, once you cross the Oregon to California state border, the gas price skyrocket by at least 20c/gallon. Interesting in addition to the fact that in Oregon they fill the gas tank for you (and apparently you do NOT have to tip them).

I traveled on the 5 until I arrived at San Francisco. I have to say that the so called 'Bay area' is quite impressive due to the natural bay formation. As soon as I neared San Francisco, traffic started. Crap by the side of the freeway also began. There were tonnes of billboards with all sorts of ads and these seemed to be the only colorful things in an otherwise very grey looking city. Once in downtown, it wasn't long before the roads became very steep which I didn't enjoy. On top of this, pedestrians either race across the street like headless chickens or meditate while crossing the street - I'm serious, they would look at you, maintain eye contact, make sure you stop for them and leisurely walk across. By the way, if the pedestrians are racing headless chickens, then the cyclists are flying headless chickens. So stupid and careless that it makes the drivers in San Francisco look like saints! While I was booking the hotel, I thought I'll pay a little extra to stay in downtown. Not a smart idea, parking cost me $40! - lesson learnt. Still I wasn't happy about it and thought seeing the sunset would cheer me up. I had wanted to see the sunset against the ocean and the bay formation. However, it was cloudy and smoggy that day and no sunlight seeped through. I know it's unfair to judge based on just one evening, but I don't think I'll be returning to San Francisco unless I absolutely have to.

This morning I was happy and relieved to get out of San Francisco. First I drove to Santa Cruz then from there drove along the coast on the famous 1 to San Luis (before taking the 101 to Solvang). It was an awesome drive! I'd like to do that again for sure.