Big Sur

Big Sur is probably one of the most breathtaking destinations to choose on the California coast.

Why?

Because there are views at every turn.

It is far less busy than other popular destinations in California.

And most of the land is public so you have so much land to explore. The land that is private is pretty well marked and stands out.

Highway 1

I’m not a big fan of highways but there is one highway that never gets old. In fact it will take your breath away each time.

This highway is known as highway 1 and it is the original California roadtrip, with one hundred miles of seaside cliffs it is no wonder many spent their summer vacation cruising these epic curves.

You have to be brave to get on this highway though. Be ready to drive slow.

It is no wonder that so many bicyclists from all around the world share this highway with you.

There are many turnouts and viewpoints along the way so you will have plenty of opportunities to stop.

Secret Cove at Partington Canyon

Now this is not a secret cove any longer. It used to be that you’d have to pay attention to the mile markers and you’d find this hike between mile marker 37 and 38. You’ll still want to pay attention to the mile markers so that you are prepared to stop but you’ll know when you’ve arrived to the cove because there will be plenty of cars on both sides of the road and you’ll see people walking on the trail.

This is a short one mile trail. The 100 foot timber tunnel is impressive and once you get to the other side you’ll be able to get to a hidden cove. During low tides you’ll find sea urchants and starfish.

There is poison oak here so you’ll want to be careful.

New Camaldoli Heritage

In 1957 it was decided, The Monastic Congregation of Camaldoli came to Big Sur.

On a mountain with a 2 mile road leading to the top you can find New Camaldoli Hermitage.

Here lives a community of Roman Catholic monks. Anyone is free to come up and join the monks for mass and a variety of different prayer and reading sessions. While we did not arrive when one was occurring we did get to look at this nice and simple building with nothing to distract you from why your there.

In the store they sell fruitcake with dates, pineapple, and nuts which our entire family enjoyed. Definitely a treat worth trying.

Ocean Camp at Limekiln State Park

When exploring Big Sur, camping is a great choice. You will be able to be closer to nature.

There are 24 campsite choices here.We chose the ocean camp which was only a few steps away from the beach. They even have redwood campsites which is probably the best choice.

For one night we paid $42.99.

The campsites are small. You are pretty close to your neighbors but you most likely won’t be sitting at your campsite the entire time. A creek runs through and you’ll see the limekiln creek bridge from your campsite. You won’t be bothered by the cars because the sound of the ocean and creek drowns out the car sounds.

Each campsite has a firepit and table.

The bathrooms here are nice. The toilets are flushable and there is a shower here as well.

Camp food is probably our favorite. For dinner we made lamb plov.

What you’ll need:

lamb cut in small pieces
rice
one whole onion chopped up
5 carrots
3 garlic heads
oil
seasoning: salt, pepper and cumin seeds
water

You’ll need a Dutch oven.

First add oil and lamb to the Dutch oven. Mix until it starts to brown up a bit.

Then add all the chopped onion and caramelize the onion.

Next, add all of the chopped carrots.

Cook until the carrots soften up.

Peel the outside layer of the garlic heads. The garlic should still be together though.

Place the whole garlic in the Dutch oven. Add seasoning and pour water to cover all the ingredients in the Dutch oven.

Add rice. We didn’t want any leftovers so we only added one cup of rice.

Add more water if you need to. Once there is little water to almost none I taste the rice. If the rice is not ready I add more water.

This is such a hearty and delicious meal.

We make plov often at home but plov made on a firepit is so much better.

Beach at Limekiln State Park

Spending hours at the beach is probably one of the best ways to enjoy time outdoors.

This beach isn’t a friendly option for surffing or swimming at all. The waves are aggressive here. Fishing isn’t a good choice as well because there are large red algae growing here.

Sunsets are stunning here.

While we were at the beach a sea lion came onto the beach. At first we got scared and were surprised that a sea lion would get so close to us. But we soon realized why. This poor sea lion was wounded and was getting out of the water to warm up and rest.

We watched him from the distance and warned those walking past him because he blended in so well with the rocks that many walked right past him without noticing him.

Point Lobos State National Reserve Whaler’s Cove Hike

Point Lobos State Natural Reserve is a wonderful place to view nature. The name of the park itself is inspired by Punta de Lobos which is what the Spanish called sea lions.

When we arrived we were surprised by how many scuba divers were here. Since we don’t have gear though we went on a nice 3 mile hike which was very scenic.

As we walked we saw many Monterey cypress trees which gave us shade at times. We saw sea lions sun bathing as we went on. Most of which we saw when we were on a beach. From which a sea lion seemed to think the rocks Dmitry and Peter were skipping might be food.

Eventually we got to a museum which discussed the businesses that operated here. Collecting of abalone, hunting of whales, and a shipping station for coal all operated here at some point. Not only can you learn about that but you could also teach anyone what poison oak looks like.