I took more than 475 pictures during our recent trip to Hawaii. Now, I am left with the task of sorting through stacks and stacks of photos and deciding which ones to scrapbook and which to place in our traditional family photo albums. Yesterday, as I went to place the photos in my “hold” container I came across shots of our last trip to California, specifically to Big Sur.
Writer Henry Miller called it “nature smiling at herself in the mirror of eternity,” and for the millions who have been touched by Big Sur’s beauty, a finer description could not have been penned. For those of you unfamiliar with Big Sur, it is located 150 miles south of San Francisco and 300 miles north of Los Angeles. Its stunning coastline complete with 70 miles of rugged cliffs and jagged rocks is one of the most visited areas in California. According to the state’s tourism board, each year more than two million visitors drive Highway 1 and stop at Big Sur’s lookouts and hike among its redwoods.
I grew up in a place where I could witness the interaction between the ocean and the land, which makes me a bit jaded when visiting other seaside locales. But, what you experience at Big Sur is more than just magnificent scenery; it’s one of those rare mystical destinations that changes your perspective on life.
If you decide to make the trip don’t miss the unforgettable photo op at McWay Falls. The falls is fed from McWay Creek, and creates a scene that will stay with you for years to come. (By the way, there are very, very few places in the world where you will see a natural waterfall descend down on a beach the way McWay does.)
Incredible backdrops like McWay Falls obviously don’t go unnoticed, which leads me to my next tip: pack your patience. Not only will you be rubbing elbows with grandma and grandpa Green from Iowa, but Big Sur is also a haven for weddings (often four to five a day, especially on the weekends). Who can blame a couple for wanting to exchange vows overlooking the Pacific Ocean with the sound of crashing waves serving as a natural orchestra?
Highway 1 (which affords you awe-inspiring views of Big Sur’s natural treasures) took 18 years to finish. My suggestion: get on it and drive, drive, drive. It provides a driving experience unsurpassed in natural beauty. Nature is at the center of Big Sur (there really is no town). In fact, local historians note that fewer people live there now than a century ago.
You will not regret making the trip, and remember—don’t forget your camera.
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