Out of the most recent things I've done, driving upto big sur is the most fresh in my memory due to reasons that will not all be revealed here. Regardless, I think some of the photos in this post will convince you of the "memory stamping" capability of big sur. And as I write this, I'm becoming aware of my writing style resembling that of Marianne Keyes. I wonder if it's because her writing had a powerful impact on me or only because she's the last one I read.
Anyway, trying not to digress anymore, about big sur: I've been to my share of beaches in California (a merit of being in Santa Barbara). But the coastline in big sur is truly the "greatest meeting of land and sea", as famously called in the visiting propaganda. The water is a fleeting shade of blue that turns to emrald if you stare long enough. The waves crash against the tiny rocky islands with might that is unknown to the pacific of southern California.
And the visual delight culminates at a creek falling 80 feet down into the ocean next to a cove. Sort of like putting together all the elements in the climax.
The bizzare thing about big sur though, are the rock concerts and beer fests at the campgrounds. One would wonder why the hippies would need to come all the way down to the mountain wilderness to listen to rock bands and drink beer. Well, the fact of the matter is that it's not as much a need as a convenience. You see, Hwy 1 is very conducive to riding harley-davidsons and the it's other two wheeler cousins due the views and the slower speed traffic. So all the bikers (=hippies) are really just taking a break from being baked in the sun and slapped by the winds.
So that's that. The moral of the story being that if you're ever visiting California, don't waste your time going to sea world and universal studios. Drive up 1 and the see the real deal.
Oh, and did I mention that you can see about 200 elephant seals lazying about in the sun right off the freeway. Also, rent a convertible if you don't own one. It's worth it.
