Big Sur, California. Is there any place more beautiful?  Big Sur is one of the most beautiful places I have ever visited. The land and sea here are so spectacular that words fail me.

“Much ink has been spilled extolling the raw beauty and energy of this precious piece of land in California shoehorned between the Santa Lucia Range and the Pacific Ocean, but nothing quite prepares you for your first glimpse of the craggy, unspoiled coastline.”   from lonelyplanet.com   This is exactly how I felt when I first saw Big Sur – speechless.

The drive to Big Sur on Hwy 1 is one of the most exhilarating, spectacular and humbling drives one will ever go on.  The natural beauty on this highway with majestic hills and rugged mountains on one side and the cliffs below with icy blue waters of the Pacific Ocean on the other are un-parallel. The road is so scenic that one can’t help wanting to stop every few minutes to take pictures. Be prepared for a slow leisurely drive, as all the other cars ahead are busy looking at the scenery and stopping to take pictures too. Also be prepared for cars to break unexpectedly as very often they veer off the road to take more pictures.

“Bixby Bridge is an iconic image of Big Sur, and for many it symbolizes the gateway between the outside world and the world of Big Sur. Crossing it, you get a sense that you are entering a sacred space on this earth; one that is very unique.
Crossing it, you get a feeling of transformation. Crossing it, you can meet your other self, waiting patiently to be acknowledged.”  The Poetry of Big Sur

Big Sur is so breathtaking that it just makes you pause and appreciate the beauty of Mother Nature at her finest.

I don’t know how the town managed to do it, but they did; all you see around you is just nature. With no commercial buildings or homes for as far as the eye can see, for miles and miles.

Cell phone coverage? None.  Want to tweet or snapchat that beautiful picture? Can’t. Big Sur is the kind of place where one is forced to disconnect from the world and just enjoy the moment.  Take a deep breath, absorb the fresh ocean air, and get intoxicated with the scene around you. I guarantee, you will leave with a spiritual experience. No one is immune to Big Sur’s breathtaking beauty.

There is plenty to do in Big Sur and all of it nature oriented.  Lots of hiking trails encourage visitors to enjoy the spectacular scenery and gorgeous beaches that Big Sur has to offer. On the way back from Big Sur stop by the town of Carmel By the Sea for a relaxing dinner in this charming upscale seaside enclave.

Big Sur is more a state of mind than a place you can pinpoint on a map. There are no traffic lights, banks or strip malls,  and when the sun goes down,  the moon and the stars are the only street lights…from lonelyplant.com   Big Sur, California

Big Sur is a couple hours from the Bay Area and one hour south of Carmel.  Big Sur makes a great day trip or one can stay the night in the town of Big Sur or in Carmel.  Here are a few links for more information on Big Sur, California.  Big Sur   Visit Big Sur   14 Things You Need to Know Before Driving California’s Big Sur   

To Sur with Love

Big Sur is living poetry. Grace in physical form. Love exemplified.
You come to Big Sur looking for “something”; perhaps a good hike.  Or a day at the beach. Or condor watching.
But She has other things in mind for you…unexpected gifts.
For each of us, these gifts take on different forms.
from The Poetry of Big Sur on Medium.com