LA to San Francisco and San Diego. 8th - 18th February 2011

We decide to hit the road and hire the smallest van we can.....

That's right, the smallest van we can........

And only get to Malibu Beach Canyon before discovering our first photo stop.......

Make it as far as Malibu (not very far) before calling it a day with another perfect sunset......

With some MASSIVE RVs..........

But find time to pose for some more shots..........

View from the van not so bad in the morning either..........

But make moves before checking surf further round the coast. Mush, BIG mush........

And make it to Pismo Beach in time for another perfect sunset......

And hit the surf in the morning. Water getting colder........

Then hit the road and stop at Seal Beach to see an Elephant Seal pick up joint.........

And make some more friends.........

Start getting to some serious coastline.......

With great roads (although some a little hairy due to rock slides)........

With some great bridges..........

And nice girls........

McWay Falls. Absolutely stunning piece of coastline.......

Till we hit Big Sur with some pretty impressive Redwoods.......

And camp right on the creek. A little chilly........

But the views are nice.........

Then head north in the morning past more interesting coastline.......

And more bridges.........

Approach Half Moon Bay (north of Santa Cruz)

Then perch at Pacifica for the night for some pumpin surf (just outside San Francisco).....

And admire another perfect sunset........

Ditto...........

Not too happy about getting up in the morning........

But hit San Francisco (known as The City by locals) running........

And find some great art adorning buildings..........

Along with some philosophy.............

And some great sculpture (which turned out to be on loan from China)........

A visit to San Francisco wouldn't be complete without a visit to the man himself (no purchases though!!).....

A visit to a diner with authentic diner food........

And a trip over the Golden Gate...........

Before queueing for a cable car ride back into San Francisco CBD.......

Can't bear to return to LA without going back along the coast road. Find some nice flowers on the way.......

Perfect for hippies to lie in........

Hang in a tree at Pfeifer Beach, Big Sur.........

And admire the view.........

Appreciate the views from the road........

Weather start to turn sour but views still great........

And check out Morro Rock.......

Before making it to near Santa Barbara and hitting the surf (unsuccessfully).........

Check out Santa Barbara and get this shot before running scared (we thought they might come after us).....

Then head on through to San Diego and check out a behemoth aircraft carrier (4 acres of deck)........

And a great tile mosaic in Orange County...........

Before hangin with Fi's cousin Robby and lovely fiance Eva on my last night before heading to New Zealand.

Next stop........... Chatham Islands, NZ