This week we're breaking down Summer 2013 in review. Though we both love that fall is here, there is just something wonderful and freeing about the summer. If you hadn't had a chance to read yesterday's post, you can catch up on Part I where our vacation began in San Francisco. We both would agree that perhaps our favorite part of this summer was our road trip down Route 1 from San Francisco towards Carmel and the Big Sur.
We had barely gotten outside of San Francisco when we topped a hill only to see this beautiful view to our right.
Little did Nate know at that moment, but we were about to start the longest 140 mile drive of our life, because neither of us realized before heading down California 1 that we were about to embark on some of the most scenic views one can take in while visiting California.
(and you know what that means- the camera is going to come out about every 5 miles when passing an overlook...Thankfully I'm married to a very patient husband who has learned by now how this "picture taking thing" goes when we travel somewhere new)
Thankfully, we had prepared ahead and our first destination was to make it to Monterey & Carmel in one day and stay the night there before driving through Pebble Beach and further towards Big Sur to take in the rest of the coast before heading back to San Francisco. We had our little map of stopping points and were ready to go!
Nate and I immediately fell in love with the beaches along this drive. There is nothing more beautiful than an unspoiled beach, rocky coastline, waves crashing, and the sound of peace and quiet... and THAT is exactly what you get when you drive this coastline. Pristine beaches and beautiful turquoise water.
We just sat here for a while to enjoy the beauty of God's creation.
After pulling Nate me away from this spot, we drove a little further and discovered a beautiful lighthouse sitting right over the ocean.
The crystal clear water and the bright red plants growing up the rocky coastline were
absolutely breathtaking.
We left the lighthouse and within a short distance rounded the bend
and took in this amazing view...
I'm pretty sure I could own a house here...
For those who hate bridges over water, this might bother some, but it was a beautiful drive across...
I'm pretty sure a few times while we stopped here, Nate was afraid I'd fall off the cliff trying to get a shot of something, so we had several laughs along the way as he kept pulling me back from "danger's edge".
While stopped here, we went exploring on a nearby trail and found these enormous plants which apparently grow all along California 1.
These plants are incredibly huge (these were about 9 feet tall) and while Nate was off exploring, I decided to chase down this hummingbird...
But...our real mission on this road trip was to make it to Pfeiffer Big State Beach further down the coastline...and as expected, this location did not disappoint, except that for the day we traveled here, the sun did not shine at all. However, the purple sand beach easily made up for it.
After walking on part of the beach, we decided to hike up these rocks that had been beaten by the force of the waves. It was quite remarkable to see how the wind and water and time had created such crevices in the rocks. We climbed to the top to watch the waves crash on the rocks below.
We could have sat all day in the quietness of this beach and watched the waves crash
through the various rock formations.
Even on a cloudy day, this beach was still beautiful with the many rock
formations that rise out of the ocean.
A trip down Route 1 would not be complete without a stop in Carmel by the Sea, a charming European-style Village town full of small shops, amazing restaurants, charming homes, an occasional glimpse of a movie star, and beautiful homes built along the oceanfront.
Of course no trip to a new city with Nate is complete without finding a local
coffee shop to try out...
One of our best finds in Carmel was this little French restaurant...which had the best local fish that was only found in this part of California. Though I'm not a big seafood lover, I did decide to take a risk and order the local fish and it was a fabulous pick.
Local cafes, coffee shops, and bakeries abound on every street...
Sweets, pastries, and just about anything you could want...
Of course after your taste-testing adventure, it's time to take a stroll down the beach, but you better watch out for these little critters...
Actually, we never saw any of these, but the sign did freak me out-- I'll be honest. As we strolled a little further, Nate and I decided that we think we found Thomas Kinkade's spot of inspiration as this little village by the sea was the perfect backdrop at sunset.
And then after a very cloudy day, we were blessed with an amazing sunset...
On our final day on our trip down the coast, we drove the 17-Mile Drive through Pebble Beach and the Monterey Peninsula. Apparently this area is famous for constant fog and unfortunately, the entire day was overcast. We were a little disappointed by the weather, but as it turned out, it didn't really take away from the beauty of this area.
I told you if there was something "China" I would find it....and I did. This photo is for several of you out there and you know who you are. (I'm pretty sure an entire tour bus was trying to figure out what I was taking a picture of at this location)
One thing we learned about this area of California is that there is no shortage of amazing vegetation and succulents unique to the area- so diverse with brilliant splashes of color...
...all nestled between several golf courses en route to Pebble Beach...
We also loved the cypress trees- Pebble Beach's iconic symbol.
The true landmark of Pebble Beach (and you thought it was the golf course)
After a few more minutes of driving we entered what golfers refer to as paradise-- the golf course where the greatest of the great play...
It was an amazing course to walk around...
They wouldn't let Nate play on the course because he forgot to pack his plaid pants and kilt for our trip. Apparently it is a pre-requisite in order to play golf here.
After Pebble Beach, we headed for our last bit of driving down the coast and were in search of this little spot below-- and just so everyone knows, we have officially claimed this piece of property as "our beach". This beach looked like it should have been highlighted in the pages of a travel magazine.
So now you know, you don't have to travel to the Caribbean or Hawaii to see the
amazing beauty God created for us in California. We could have just sat here all day taking in the beauty of the water, plants, and coastline.(and the waterfall is a pretty nice bonus too!)
We pretty much think it was a perfect ending to an amazing road trip down Route 1 in California. (and thankfully, I never fell off any of the cliffs while taking vacation photos and for that- Nate and I are both thankful.)
Next Stop........
SEATTLE!
