Big Sur post two, Highway One Beaches

A few days ago I posted about our backpacking trip to Big Sur. We took one day to backpack and camp, and one day to explore the area and Highway One. We have heard from countless people that Big Sur is the outdoorsy place to be around here. Well, other than Napa, Lake Tahoe, Muir Woods...oh wait, this whole area is scenic and beautiful!

Big Sur is about 2.5-3 hours south of the Bay Area, but totally worth the drive. A lot of the drive was boring highway, but once we hit Highway One the scenery started. We drove up and down Highway One stopping every few miles to get out and enjoy the coastal beauty. Some places the water was transparent blue, and other places we saw huge seals. There were cresting waves, miles of rocky shoreline, pristine white beaches, fog, sun, waterfalls, pine trees. Oh beauty!

It was an incredible day exploring Highway One in the Big Sur area. We did a few hikes right off the highway, and enjoyed the abandoned rugged beaches. We also stopped for lunch at a beautiful rooftop gallery restaurant that had some of the best bacon mac and cheese we've ever tasted. There are no words for that kind of delicious! We enjoyed lunch and beer in the blazing February sun with a view of Highway One and the Pacific Ocean. Does it get much better than that? I know I say that every time we get out and explore the area, but really, California has so much to offer.

 Check out the waterfall on the left side of this picture. Andy wanted to go bathe in it, but the trail didn't have beach access.

Strong Arms Saturday

This Strong-Arms-Saturday is brought to you by Big Sur! We had an awesome time exploring the coast, the mountains, and highway one. Big California, big adventure, Big Sur. :) What exciting things do you have for Saturday? Feel like snapping a picture of your own Strong-Arms-Saturday, send me a picture and I'll post it: ellieswonder@gmail.com.

Big Sur post one: Backpacking

Over the last few weeks Andy has been lusting after Big Sur. He has been watching youtube videos of the area, talking to co-workers, looking it up on maps etc. Finally we decided to go this weekend, rain or shine. (Our day started overcast and I was afraid it would rain. Luckily, it cleared up.)

Big Sur is an area along Highway 1 filled with national parks, beautiful scenery, and tons of hiking. We decided to drive down Saturday morning and backpack into the mountains to find a camping spot. It took us a few hours just to drive to Big Sur, but once we were in the area our eyes were wide and we couldn't stop ohh'ing and ahh'ing at the beauty.

We decided on a trail off the road, got our packs ready, and headed out. The hike was along the mountains lining the coast and went up, up away. The sun started to set and we got a little worried about finding a camping spot. Not too worried though, that we couldn't enjoy the blaring golden setting sun. It was beautiful! Luckily, right as the sun set we found a perfect place to set up camp. We put our tent up quickly and grabbed some fire wood right as it got dark. Talk about good timing!

Unfortunately, our solar lantern hadn't been charged (oops), so it didn't work. Andy also forgot to put batteries in his head lamp. So we were a little short on light, but once we got the fire going it provided the light we needed for making dinner, hanging out, and roasting the necessary marshmallows (we ate the whole bag!). Once the stars came out we couldn't help but let the fire die down and lay back to adore the sparkling heavens.

It was a beautiful evening of bright stars and the sound of waves crashing against the distant shore. The next morning we enjoyed a relaxed breakfast before heading back down the mountain for some more exploring. It was incredible to say the least! We are so lucky to be able to enjoy this beautiful nature and go camping in February. More of the trip and Highway 1 to come in a few days.

 Hanging out in the morning.

 Andy made us coffee and breakfast on our trusty little camping stove.

Yep, that's my man. He enjoys nature to its fullest!