Day 16: Shell Beach to Solvang/Santa Barbara

Cat started the day by taking a leisurely walk from Shell Beach and onto Pismo Beach, covering a distance of 8.1 miles. Along the way, she observed numerous pelicans and seals plunging into the water in search of their daily meal.

Kevin and Gregg left Shell Beach at approximately 9:00 a.m., riding along Highway 1 before turning onto route 256 inland, passing by farmlands and Vandenberg Spaceforce Base, a significant military installation known for its involvement in space exploration and national security. They eventually reached Solvang, a delightful Danish village nestled in the heart of California's wine country. The town's charming architecture, reminiscent of a European village, is enchanting, with its streets adorned with charming shops and bakeries. Upon arriving in Solvang feeling energetic, they quickly stopped at the hotel before deciding to continue their journey on Route 154 to tackle the climb into Santa Barbara, which was originally planned for tomorrow. Despite Gregg encountering two flat tires on the way, they successfully reached the summit of San Marcos Pass and concluded their day in Santa Barbara, where Cat picked them up and drove them back to the hotel. For dinner, they dined at the excellent Osteria Grappolo, an inviting Italian restaurant in Solvang.

Today's journey spanned 94.2 miles, featuring a total elevation gain of 6,211 feet. The ride lasted for 5 hours and 56 minutes, with an average speed of 16 miles per hour.