Big Sur CA

A drive along the Pacific Coast Highway from Morgan Hill to Big Sur revealed some spectacular views of the rugged, high cliffs and beautiful coves of this famous stretch.

It is difficult to find words to describe the beauty of this area.  And the photos show only a fraction of the total impression.

 

The highway is higher up because of the cliffs and so views as this one are enjoyed from turnouts and parking areas.

If you look carefully, you can see a pair of seals resting on the rock in the center of the picture.  Just above the green, mossy growth, look for a creamy colored comma shape.  That is the larger seal.  The mate is to the right and slightly below and is dark colored.

 

The original PCH was built in the 1920s and Bixby Bridge was built in 1932 to enable residents in Big Sur year around access because the Old Coast Road was often impassable in winter.  It has been photographed many times and is almost a symbol of Route 1.

 

  

There aren't many sandy beaches along this part of the coast, but this one at the mouth of a river looked pretty.

We stopped for lunch at Nepenthe, a famous restaurant near the village of Big Sur.  This was the view from the restaurant.