Old picture (a few days ago, Grand Canyon, Desert View campground) new story...got a later start than we'd hoped this morning, then hit a detour (don't you love detours when you have no idea where you are to begin with?). Got to Paso Robles where we came to understand that you DON'T travel (even in state parks) on July 4 weekend without a reservation. We persevered, nonetheless, just hoping something would work out. Felt like 'luck' was with us when we got to Hearst Castle, found out all the tours for the day were booked, and then through a little miracle got tickets anyway! (Pics of that unbelievable place soon.) Decided to try our luck at San Simeon State Park even though they had already informed us via phone that they were full up. Got there only to have them reiterate said fact. Drove a couple miles up Rte 1 (on the beautiful ocean coast) and after just one other stop found a kind lodge owner who let us park in his lot for the night (ocean view, free wifi!, restaurant and mini-mart) all for 20 dollars! Just as we're getting settled in, the state park called us with a spot from a cancellation! Have decided to stay put since our sunset-perfect, oceanview couldn't get any better, but are feeling greatly encouraged for tomorrow's trek further up this Big Sur coastline. Maggie is reading beside me, the sun is getting ready for its big splash of the day, and life is good...