We awoke to another glorious sunny day and there was hardly a breeze in the air. After two nights in San Luis Obispo we said our fond farewells to our hosts Jibitesh and Paripurnata. As always they were wonderful company, and catered to our every need.

We were well fed and watered to continue our journey up the west coast. We are eternally grateful to them for the team literally taking over their house for two days – many, many thanks!

It was again such a joy to run today. It was ideal running conditions. The sun shone and the sky was blue and the ocean so vast.

At the start of the morning the sea was beautifully calm and all around was so peaceful.

Now and then the sea mist lingered in some of the sheltered coves.

As we headed north the coastline became more rugged and dramatic.

The land rose steeply from the sea towards the Santa Lucia Range of mountains.

Although the road was very undulating with some steep inclines, we hardly noticed the hills as this landscape has reinvigorated us. After the heat of the desert and the altitude of the mountains we now have a new sense of vitality.

This coastline is so inspirational. The view from the top of these hills affords some splendid viewpoints that are truly amazing. There are many little coves and secluded sandy beaches.

The sea in places is a lovely turquoise colour surrounded by the white froth of the waves crashing against the cliffs.

In places where there is a fine sea mist in looks almost dream like as if you’re in another world. This coastline reminds me very much of where I grew up in Cornwall, England.

Some of the most dramatic coastline was around Big Sur where we ran over bridges spanning large gullies.

The route passed through many State Parks and as the coastal highway veered slightly inland we ran through pristine pine forests. It was all very breathtaking.

At Monterey we visited Sunrise Nursing Home where we met some of the residents.

It is always special to meet the elderly generation as they are the individuals that have shaped our society and we own them a debt of gratitude.

They were very endearing and it was a special visit.

– Mark

Distance: 100 miles

Team Members:
Atulya Lee Berube (San Diego), Mark Collinson (England), Kshetragna Ulanova (Russia), Surya Smolennikova (Russia), Vladimir Salnicov (Moldova), Kokila Chamberlain (England), Drsalu Gruenstaeudl (Austria), Maria Manecke (Germany), Jeromy Cheatham (San Diego), Abhejali Bernardova (Czech Republic), Salil Wilson (Australia), Sukhada Korshunova (Russia), Pujari Schaffer (San Francisco)

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