Vibrant Energy Of Cliffside California

“You could travel the world, but nothing comes close to the golden coast.”(Katy Perry)

Can you imagine what your life would like if you experienced the freedom to fly as a seagull? Yes, I do envy the powers of bird flight as I gaze over a Central California coastal environs on our road trip dotted by inaccessible spots of wonder that only an adventurous seagull might reach. As a gull, I would certainly experience no fear of height when perching precariously on a jagged cliff above the crashing surf below. Or perhaps by posing proudly on an offshore rocky shoal, I would feel empowered about keeping my distance from the human predators staring at me on the distant shore. With the vast ocean as my trusting friend, my magical wings could also carry me along with great efficiency to find plentiful feeding grounds in the blue waters below.

Of course as I am merely human, a gull reincarnation in my next life will have to wait. Instead, I’ve been willing and able to slow down our road trip now to absorb the positive energy of California oceanside from a safe vantage point ashore. Along the famed Pacific Coast Highway, I thus cautiously drive my vehicle around Big Surs’ tortuous curves into panoramic bliss where mountain meet the sea. At Morro Bay, I gape in awe at a giant rock protruding from the ocean as multitudes of seagulls, squirrels and sea otters playfully gather nearby. Then it’s on to Montana de Oro State Park near the small town of Los Osos for a curious walk nearest cliff edge to obtain breathtaking views of a cove shrouded bay. So join me in my humbly human ways as I present the following photographic display of wild nature’s glory.

July 8, 2020 5

“Cruising” Along In West Coast Style

“In every outthrust headland, in every curving beach, in every grain of sand there is the story of the earth.” (Rachel Carson)

The term “cruising” in the informal sense refers to the casual act of driving a vehicle in an aimless manner most often at lesser speeds. The scenic drive along the western coasts of Oregon/Northern California thus appeared to have become the ideal route for a “cruising” adventure on this weekend’s leg of our road trip. Foregoing our U.S. east coast perceptions accustomed to congested beachfront housing and touristic business sprawl, we instead enjoyed a west coast adventure from Coos Bay, Oregon heading south to San Rafael, California amid wild nature relatively untouched by human intrusion.

Keep in mind that while Google Maps suggested that this north – south drive could be accomplished in a little over eight hours driving time, we opted to spend close to two full days of slower paced “cruising” to accomplish this task. Thus, the matter of making time and covering distance seemed relatively unimportant as I experienced enhanced sensory awareness of remote coastal beachfronts, cool highland forests, and lush river valleys. In the photograph set below, I thus reveal some personally enlightening observations about the essentials of “cruising” in west coast style. Stay healthy in July. USFMAN.

Feel the immense life energy of a Giant Redwood Forest.

Summertime blooming of wildflowers can cleanse the soul.

A lonely crag offshore can enthrall the imagination.

Pay attention to the large rock ahead for safety reasons.

The objects of interest along a lonely beach comprise much more than seashells and sand.

Stop frequently at designated road turnoffs for best scenic views.

Beware of sudden, natural event hazards.

Alternative health options abound in west coast settings.

Keep two hands on the wheel at all times .

Visiting a State/National Park can be an effective cure for “Covid -19” social isolation.

There’s no such phenomenon as a “Bridge Too Far” in cruising mode.

July 1, 2020 11

Boosts of California Coastal Energy

“Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better”(Albert Einstein)

As Ruth and I reached the midpoint of our current road trip adventure, we rejoiced in our return again to the captivating Pacific Coast shores of Central California. Beginning with a three day slowdown in “surftown” Santa Cruz, we would slowly make our way south along steep cliff-side curves of the famed “Pacific Coast Highway” to quaint Cambria for a well needed, ten day respite from the daily rigors of road road travel.

Would you like to feel suddenly calmer and more contented now? Notice then the positive energy emanating in the following photographs as we immersed ourselves into the stunning natural beauty of our coastal shore visit. Feel the cool bark of my spontaneous hug of an ancient Redwood tree that so proudly lives on for centuries in a densely primeval forest. Savor the smooth textures of a colorfully interesting rock that we patiently examine on a secluded beach. Walk daringly with us along a steep, roadside cliff for a better view of the mountainside plunge to the aqua blue ocean below. Feel the rush of cool air as we stand silently amidst a beautiful cascade of rushing waterfalls.

In beach touristy Santa Cruz, a three day stay at a cozy cottage close by our longtime friends Bobbi and John would first spark carefree visions of adolescent freedom and innocent play” in the late 1960s. A touristic jaunt around town, however, would spark more serious interest in the town’s illustrious historical past.

We first entered the Pacific Coast Highway from the north as the nightly fog invitingly began to lift in mid morning. Stopping frequently at bridge turnoffs, we savored for over twenty miles the stunning views of cliffside coves along the sea on our right.

At the midpoint of our PCH drive near mile marker twenty five, we stopped at the “Redwood” shrouded town of Big Sur for lunch at the Ripplewood Resort Cafe. A curious bit of rock hunting and bird watching here then would captivate our attention here.

Two miles south of Big Sur, we entered Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park. Here we were greeted by a wild turkey as we began an easy, two mile hike along the River Gorge Trail. Notably making our way alongside this gentle stream, we passed an old Homestead Cabin. Reaching the Trail terminus at the base of the gorge, I admired the attraction of fluttering butterflies amidst this bubbling calmness.

Passing the oasis rest stops of Lucia and Gorda, the forty nine mile drive to Ragged Point became more noticeably steep and winding. Spring flowers blooming prolifically along this road stretch above the aqua blue sea thus revealed endless photo opportunities.

While immensely enjoying the challenging drive of the PCH today, the late afternoon arrival at our Air B&B lodging in Cambria brought us a welcoming calmness.

April 20, 2019 0