“There’s a spot. You should pull over here.”
I was lost in my own thoughts when S pointed to the side of the road. We were headed south on California’s iconic Hwy 1 from San Jose to Big Sur. We decided to join friends for a camping weekend. We were less than half an hour from our destination, approaching Bixby Bridge.
“It won’t take long; let’s walk along on that side then take a few shots near the bridge.”
For over three decades we’ve wandered, meandered, got lost, and discovered gems along Hwy 1. The lure of this curvy coast-hugging route hasn’t lost its charm for us. So, taking a few pictures to update the road trip album was in order.
Making it to our campsite, and later that evening over dinner, we found out we were right in the path of a fast-moving fire that had started in the Palo Colorado Canyon community. We were under ten miles from the fire when we were at Bixby Bridge, oblivious that where we were standing was to be engulfed in flames a few hours later.
The fires have since gone, the roads reopened. The ravaged Big Sur landscape is steadily growing back its diverse vegetation and magnificent colors. Its resilience is inspiring, its vulnerability a sobering reminder of how things can change before your eyes.
We look back at that weekend as one of those moments. The ones where you’re reminded that it’s okay to lose a few minutes, forget the schedule, and enjoy those occasional detours. Pull over.
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Pronti? Via! Just Go.
Nephente - dine and relax in Big Sur with a world-class view! Locals and visitors are drawn to the breathtaking views, ultra-relaxed vibe, and good eats. Check them out at: https://www.nepenthe.com/
Big Sur Foragers Festival - check out this annual four-day mushroom-focused festival and fundraiser for the Big Sur Health Center. The Festival includes "Fungus Face-Off, hike with mushroom experts, beer and brunch, and many more fungi fun. For more information, visit them at: https://www.bigsurforagersfestival.org/
Big Sur Hiking - hiking in Big Sur ranges from level, short and easy to steep, long, and treacherous. The hiking trails reveal unparalleled coastlines, towering redwoods, and rare wildlife. Here's a good place to start for information: https://www.lonelyplanet.com/articles/best-hikes-in-big-sur
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