Here are a few more pix I like from our San Jose to Santa Barbara flight. First up, this smoky but still (to me) interesting look at the dotted clouds and dappled shadows somewhere near the tiny town of Marina, looking toward Salinas.
3734 Marina to Salinas
Then another angle on the so far unbeatable Soberanes Fire showing how smoke clinging to valleys accents the different hills and mountains.
3735 Smoke Variations
Meanwhile the main plume charges off across the valley to darken the day of people in that direction. Note the pattern at the bottom-right corner, and then ponder with me what created this apparently man-made feature.
3739 Sand Barcode
Later down the Big Sur Coast we got this view of Nepenthe showing how the fire was stopped before crossing the first high ridge up from the beach. We’re glad to know one of our favorite stops along that enchanting drive will be awaiting our return.
3783 Nepenthe Spared
Soon we’d all but passed Big Sur, reaching the San Simeon area with this rock outcrop that somehow invites climbing and exploration.
3822 Caves In Rock
As for Hearst Castle itself, here’s another angle showing the still empty iconic swimming pool and you might be able to make out some of the tourists wandering the grounds.
3854 Hearst Castle Reopened
Do you share my fascination with the patterns of kelp created by currents in the waters off Cayucos?
3882 Kelp Art
Speaking of which, here’s a look at the town and nearby reservoir again revealing the smoky valley beyond the now dwindling Santa Lucia mountains.
3885 Cayucos
Last for today a zoom pic of Morro Rock, where native peoples have long climbed up to hold sacred events amid the Peregrine nests.
3896 Morro Rock
John & Anne Wiley 
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