California Camping

Although we didn't spend many nights in Oregon campgrounds, we certainly have noticed the difference between the two states. Oregon's state campgrounds are maintained regularly, they charge a consistent $5 per night per person for hiker/biker sites, free showers, nice and helpful staff. Once you cross over the border, things change. Sometimes just a bit and sometimes a lot. Most California state campgrounds charge anywhere between $5-$7 (not that much of a big deal), they charge for showers, not all campgrounds are regularly maintained and many have a one night limit. The one night limit is due to a transient population that often infiltrates the hiker biker sites.

That became particularly obvious at the Veteran's Memorial campground in Monterey. Let's just say that I would never recommend this campground to anyone. First of all, it's located on a hill in a residential district. There were no signs that indicated we were going in the right direction and that is not a good feeling at the end of the day as you're peddling a loaded bike. Once we arrived, we were met by huge tents that we quickly realized were not brought in by any hikers or bikers unless they were related to the Incredible Hulk. All the campers/residents seemed to know each other. One of our fellow bikers figured out how they were able to set up such a community....they simply move all their belongings from one tent to another to avoid the one day limit. 

Thankfully, we met some others cyclists that made the night somewhat bearable. We all decided to go to bed early so that we could wake and get an early start (aka, get the hell out of there). Then, at 2:30am, two obnoxiously drunken young men decided to set up camp in the hiker/biker area, fairly close to our tent. It took them about an hour to figure out the highly intelligent process of pitching a tent, all the while reminiscing about their drunken night and who they could score some weed from at the campsite. If that wasn't enough, we had the wonderful experience of listening to the most drunkest one, puking his guts out. It was all I could do to stay in the tent and keep my mouth shut. 

Needless to say, we woke early and fled this ugly scene as fast as we could. We were greeted with what lay ahead and some amazing landscape!

  

It wasn't my best ride as I was tired and a bit pissy. However, Susana treated me with a nice cold brew once we reached Pfeiffer State Park in Big Sur.

Our view while enjoying said brew.

Little did we know, this was the last shower for a couple of days!