December Swell Energizes the Central Coast.

The past few days were dominated by a large Pacific Ocean swell that slammed the Central Coast.
I was able to spend two mornings on the beaches from Cambria to Point Piedras Blancas.
Whether it's the movement of the water or simply the excitement of something unusual,  days like this re-energize all of us. We all gather at the edge of the continent and watch nature do her best.

Storm surge at San Simeon Pier

Fishing, really?

No kayak rentals today. San Simeon State Beach

Highway 1. They are in the process of moving the road inland.

These rocks are about 75 to 100 feet high.

Saturday morning, Moonstone Beach.

Shorebreak, Moonstone Beach.

Cambria Coast

Hiking the Southern Big Sur Coastline

 Just a couple of miles from the Pacific lies a little hidden gem hike along the Southern Big Sur coast. After the first few storms of Fall, redwoods, coast live oaks, tanbark oaks, big leaf maples, ferns, lady bugs all come alive. I just wish I could share the smell of redwood duff and crushed bay leaves underfoot, and the sound of jays and hawks and friends enjoying a gorgeous day.

Enjoy, and share if you want.

Imagine the smell and sound of Bay Laurel leaves under your feet,

Through tunnels of Tan Bark Oaks,

Past peeling Manzanita,

Ladybugs hatching on decaying Big Leaf Maple leaves,

and along downed trees.

Coast Redwoods grow in the deep shadows for centuries.

A perfect campsite.

A spot of sunlight finds the canyon floor.

The stories this table has heard.

Young shoots sprout next to their ancient family.

Reaching for the sunlight.

The ideal end to a good day.