Crashing Waves: Hope Travels ~ West Coast RV Adventure 2023 ~ Day 10

May 29, 2023

Today was our day to explore Big Sur. Mom and Dad can’t believe that neither of them had ever been here before. But I’m glad they hadn’t, because now I get to enjoy it with them! It is SO beautiful!! We started the day by driving south to Julia Pfieffer State Park & McWay Falls. On the way, Dad drove into every turnout and vista point Mom wanted to see. One vista point had really interesting information about all sorts of things about the area and its history. I already told you about the amazing Coastal Redwoods. But we learned that there are a lot of California Condors in this area, and we saw some above the coastline. They have a wingspan of up to 10 feet, weigh about 25 pounds and can fly as high as 15,000 feet! Can you imagine?!! Sorry, no pictures.

Sometimes at a stop Mom would just hop out and take a picture. But most of the time, she’d motion to us to come check it out too. One little spot was so pretty that they put a towel down on the dirt in front of the cliff and ate apples. I didn’t mind because there were really good smells there. So here’s another warning, there are going to be lost of scenic pictures today… But most of the turnouts just had really gorgeous scenery.

At Julia Pfeiffer State Park, we took a little walk down to McWay Falls. The signs said “no dogs” on the trail, but everyone really liked me so I don’t understand why there dogs shouldn’t be on the trails. Especially cute ones like me. Dad wouldn’t take me all the way to the falls though, so they took turns going to see it. Unfortunately, the beach was closed and we didn’t get to see what everyone had said was such a nice beach.

On the way back north, we stopped at a cute little village area with a store, gas station and a restaurant. The restaurant wasn’t open, but in front they had an interesting garden with quite an eclectic combinations of plants! One flowering tree, neither Mom or Dad had ever seen before.

Next we drove north to Garrapata State Park & Beach. Mom made lunch for them while Dad took a nap in the LHOW. After they ate, we walked along the beach. It was the complete Big Sur beach experience. Waves crashing against big rocks and the beach. A little creek from the mountain that feeds into the ocean. An otter playing in the surf. Wildflowers painting the landscape above the beach. And interesting granite rock exposed from years of erosion.

(Did you know that more often than not in these parts, a beach is formed by a creek or river hitting the ocean and bringing sediment and small stones to form the beach?)

Our next stop was the iconic Bixby Bridge with its tall, impressive span. You’ve probably seen this bridge in pictures a lot. Interesting fact…it was built the same year Gramps was born, and it’s still standing! Mom also got good pics of this funny looking plant we’ve been seeing along the coast. It’s call Pride of Madeira, which is amusing because Mom and Dad said they saw it in Madeira last year when they were there. Mom’s brother’s friend calls it the ‘purple penis” plant though. 🤭 In one picture you can see the flower just beginning to bloom, another in full bloom and one completely done blooming. Kinda cool.

Back at the campsite, Mom and Dad went into their evening routine of the 3 Cs: Cocktails. Catch up. Campfire. Dad’s been enjoying his vodka martini or bourbon while Mom’s been nursing a Cooper & Thief bourbon barrel red blend. We’ve been totally off the grid except a weak wifi signal right by the campground office, so we’ve just been writing and reading. The campfire burned out but it was still early, so Dad went and scavenged wood to start another fire. There’s something spiritual about a campfire with the flames, light, warmth, smell and sound. It makes us all “happy!”