737 February 26, 2022 Big Sur

I began the day with a walk through the campground.

The campground isn’t very big and so I tried a trail in the woods but it became incredibly steep.

I went out on Route 1 and walked the shoulder as far as the River Inn. Here I learned two important pieces of information. The gasoline in Big Sur is $7.22 a gallon…WOW…JUST WOW!! The second thing I learned, is that the restaurant at River Inn doesn’t take reservations but also isn’t very busy at this time of year…YAY!

The redwood trees at the campground are gorgeous and so fragrant. The air smells fresh and clean.

We had a fabulous day exploring the California Coast from Big Sur to Carmel. Route 1 in Big sur was the first section of the highway to be completed. It was built in the early 1930’s. Now it extends for about 686 miles. It is the second longest state highway in the nation. It follows the coast and diverts inland only to avoid federal, military, and nature preserve areas.

We had planned to go to Point Lobos but when we got there, the parking lot was full. Not only that, but cars were parked along the road for a mile in either direction. We elected to forego the crowds. We drove to Carmel and got gas…only $4.99 a gallon…yipee!

We turned back toward Big Sur. We stopped at Garrapata State Park and walked the Bluff Trail

We stopped at several turnouts to get out and admire the view.

On January 24, 2022, a brush fire spread in the area from Bixby Bridge to Rock Creek Bridge. The scarred and charred hillsides span about 1,000 acres. The fire was remarkable because wildfires seldom occur in January and because there had been lots of rain earlier in the fall and winter and it was assumed that the fire danger was not as great. Scientists now theorize that because of the extensive nature of the drought it is more of a chronic long-term condition that may take many seasons of good rainfall to improve. Route 1 was closed for a while but is now reopened.

Point Sur.

The scenery here is amazing so even though we didn’t go to Point Lobos…I was NOT disappointed! I am so glad that we have the luxury of being able to spend some time hiking and exploring. As one fellow traveler today remarked “Being out here in nature sure does make you feel good!”

We did enjoy yummy butternut squash soup and salads at River Inn for our dinner.