Now that I have a few moments, here are some pix from that Big Sur drive. Every time we’re there several new “discoveries” enchant us, and we have several “favorite” spots. Like the Nathaniel Owings Memorial Redwood Grove, our first major stop going North. Looking up into the serene redwoods where water cascades over massive boulders and pauses in refreshing pools transports us instantly beyond.
Due to the drought, the water is completely gone except for a few puddles where little black flies bred, greeting our arrival by buzzing into ears, eyes, and noses. Our visit was much shorter than usual, with only brief pauses as we took in quiet memories at a fast walk with hands waving them away. Most of the coast belonged to the flies that day, so our next major stop was the waterfall walk at Julia Pfeiffer Burns where even at a brisk walk it was instantly transformative.
By the house ruins we lingered a moment among the flies to savor this bloom on the slope and pondered when they were planted, by whom, and what other hearts have and will be touched by them.
Another high priority stop for us is Nepenthe where we’ve enjoyed private romantic moments, meals with family and friends.
As with most stops there, we also ventured out through the gift shop to sound the gongs and chimes to honor those souls and the magic of that place. All along the coast of course are spectacular views, and for me especially the interplay of stillness and ceaseless motion. For example a stone standing alone amid the swirling splashing seas, resolute against countless storms yet destined to fall.
When we arrived at Asilomar the sunset had collected a scattered crowd, hushed in anticipation of transition toward dream time when we would each process wordless moments from this life in the sun.
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