The Big Sur Coast (derived from the Spanish 'El Sur Grande' or 'the Big South') lies between San Simeon in the South of California and Monterey in the North, and is arguably one of the most beautiful places in the world. Its highlights include three state parks, Julia Pfeiffer Burns, Big Sur and Alfred Molera. Julia Pfeiffer was the daughter of Michael and Barbara Pfeiffer, some of the first European settlers to homestead this area of the California coast. The Pfeiffers were a family of ranchers and much of this portion of the Big Sur area bears their name. Andrew Molera State Park is a mostly wide open, wind-swept canvas where the Big Sur River runs wild to the sea (someone felt poetic). It is still relatively undeveloped and offers visitors great hiking, fishing and beachcombing (unfortunately for us, most of the park was closed). Does anyone know who Andrew Molera was?
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Even the road is picturesque out there. | Which is the sky and which is the sea? | Now how did they build that? |
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And then there was light! | ||
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Julia Pfeiffer Big Sur Park, McWay Cove and Falls. Aquamarine water and... a waterfall! No wonder she liked the place. | It gets better every time you see it. | The view to the North wasn't bad either. |
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Even better close up. | You'd better appreciate this picture, because we hiked 1900 vertical feet to get it! | |
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Redwood forest in Julia Pfeiffer State Park. As if the ocean isn't enough. | Partington cove: one of the few places you can get to sea level (300 vertical feet below the highway). | |
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A very big redwood in Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park. Kira tried it on for size... | THE falls in Big Sur State Park. We think Julia's was better. | |
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The top of 'Valley View' trail (there's a romantic bench just outside the picture) -- Big Sur State Park. | Headlands trail, Andrew Molera State Park. | Yes! More pelicans! |
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Obviously Where all the cool seagulls hang out. | The coast is so cool, I have to wear shades. | |
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A sea lion -- Monterey Fishermen's Wharf. | Two sea lions. | |
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Smile for the camera... | ||