Tuesday, August 12, 2014

California's Coast Highway One




























This is a stretch of road that I never tire of. Ever. I can count everything I love along our California Coast, and I don't seem to run out of good excuses to return again, and again. It never bores me, never gets too familiar... in fact, the familiarity of those places along the way are a comfort to me. I feel lucky to return. Morro Bay, Cambria, San Simeon, LimeKiln, Big Sur, Nepenthe, the California State Parks, Monterey Bay Aquarium, Marsh Landing... everything, right up to my brother's front door in Santa Cruz.

I've written about these sights before, and I don't want to repeat myself {too-too much}, but, as I mentioned, it always feels brand new, and on this trip we were reminded that for Maria, as young as she is, many of these places do feel quite new. She's not 2, or 4, or 6 years old any more, and her experiences and recollections of paths, trails, streams, and sights is often a bit foggy. I think this is a trip that will stay more firmly in her memory. Sharing everything with Bambi, too, made our favorite highway even more special. I can get carried away with holding on to details, descriptions, and cataloging all the moments... yeah, obviously, right? I think what I most want to remember is that Big Sur canyons and fern groves restore my soul, that I love a foggy coast, and that I love the process of being reacquainted with our steps, our breath, our place in nature, with nature.

3 comments:

Tami @ Lemon Tree Tales said...

Nothing like California's coastline. We've made the trip to Oregon more than a handful of times and never tire of the scenery. And Morro Bay reminds me of visits to my grandmother's house in Atascadero. We'd drive to the beach and have picnics. Hmm, I've forgotten the name of the restaurant in Santa Cruz you told me to visit. I've been driving there more to go to a quilt guild and wanted to eat there next time.

Sara at Come Away With Me said...

It's a wonderful stretch of coastline, isn't it. That road winding in and out of the trees and redwoods and along the cliffs and the sea . . . it's really gorgeous. What a beautiful state we live in. I enjoyed all your photos, and you were very quick to catch that snake!

Janece said...

Such rich, beautiful photos, Natalie. The one of you and Maria? Pure love! (Who captured that one for you?)

Thank you for sharing all these photos and your descriptions of your travels. It nurtures and fills me too.