Big Sur-tastic

View from Nepenthe Restaurant, Big Sur, California.

Tim and i have completely abandoned our vacation (and pretty much life itself) for the sake of the Nintendo DS portable system, an ingenious little device which has become a total obsession. We play Brain Games, and it gives you awesome brain quizzes and rewards you with more games the better you do and well, it is pretty much the greatest thing ever invented. OK, so we haven't abandoned our trip for it but we do pretty much plan our day around when we can play...it only allows you to score results once a day! Oh, damn you, witholding Nintendo!

Ok, enough of that.

We just had an amazing two days driving the GORGEOUS California coast on U.S. 1 from Morro Bay to Big Sur, stopping along the way to marvel at the incredible aqua blue ocean and rolling green hills. These are the kinds of views that truly make you glad you are alive. It is pretty hard to feel anything but invigorated and happy when looking at such sights. Anyone who has never driven the coast -- (and apparently we have some of the best scenery ahead of us as we head North to the Oregon/Washington coasts) -- should make a point of doing so....there is truly nothing like it.

We camped last night in the beautiful campgrounds at Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park, among giant redwoods and enormous birds. Our site was along a river and it was so nice sleeping to the sound of water flowing over the rocks....until it got freakin cold overnight and I had to pee. It sucks being a girl camping sometimes!

We had a lovely breakfast at Big Sur Lodge and then made our way to the Henry Miller Library in Big Sur, which is an adorably tiny hippie enclave of books, ping-pong, free coffee, and art. It represents a perfect example of the overall vibe of Big Sur, which is truly a warm and welcoming one. It makes you think perhaps you could abandon all you've ever known and come to live among its tranquility and beauty.

Next we headed to McWay Falls, a sight we learned about from our trusty guidebook. (Shout-out to the folks at Lonely Planet!!) This was one of the most spectacular things I've ever seen. You walk out on this trail along a mountain side and find yourself looking down at a beach far below that is pretty much the image of paradise itself. Clear light blue water, untouched sand, and a giant waterfall set in among the rocks. If there is a heaven, it probably looks a little bit like this place.

Big Sur, folks. Two little words which should really be in your vocabulary and on your list of places to go.

We are currently being very well taken care of in San Francisco by Tim's friends Geoff and Sarah. Chilling in San Fran till tomorrow.

love to all.