Saturday, November 12 was a perfect day as Jason, Mandy (my son and daughter-in-law), and I took the amazing drive south on Highway 1 to Nepenthe, a restaurant that has been there and owned by the same family for…mmm…about 67 years now.
It’s hard to get a good picture of the actual place, but easy to get pictures of the views from it.
When we gave our name, they told us it was a 1-1 1/2 hour wait, but we didn’t mind! Mandy and I ordered our South Coast Margaritas and Jason his beer and we found a spot with a view….it’s impossible to find a spot without a view here.
We relax with big smiles as we try to take it all in.
Don’t know of a better combination for kicking back and clearing my mind. 🙂
Eventually our name was called, but that was one powerful margarita, and I have no idea how long it actually took….it just didn’t matter!
I’ve seen some beautiful places in my travels, and I mean REALLY beautiful, but the Big Sur coastal area remains the place I resonate with more than any other. It’s beautiful to my eyes, my heart, and my soul.
When I walk the redwood forests here or the coastal hills, I feel a mystical presents and I fully expect to see fairies, gnomes and tree spirits any second!
All wild flowers, growing naturally here.This picture and many below will be from my photo collection.
The wildness here has a life of it’s own and there is no way humans will ever tame it. And this is a GOOD thing!
This carved bird…the Phoenix…represents Nepenthe.
You can read about the Phoenix here, along with the meaning of the name “Nepenthe’.
Another view of the Phoenix.
I’ve been having the South Coast Margarita’s here for some years. 🙂 I think this was 7 years ago. Like the hair do? 🙂
Views from the drive along highway 1 can look like this.
Walking the paths, you can find hidden beaches.
Lots of rocks.
And colors.
More colors..
Blues of every shade.
Be careful of the poison oak!
Bixby Bridge was built in the early 20’s with convict labor.
Sunset around Christmas, some years back.
Fog and morning glories.
Serenity
The sun setting on our way back on Saturday.
That little island-like hill is Point Sur, and there is a lighthouse on it. There will be more about that in an upcoming post. 🙂
Peaceful
Wandering Spirit 
Simply GORGEOUS pictures!! Thank you so much for sharing. That is one place I absolutely must spend some time in. I’m down to 198 days until retirement! Woot! See you on the road soon!
Yay Lori! That’s wonderful to hear! Yes, HIGHLY recommended to come here. But I’ve gotta warn you, it can get pretty spendy trying to camp in the area. Do some research, look at the state park and national forest campgrounds in the area. Reserve way ahead if possible, and give yourself some time to really soak it in because you will really want to!
So So beautiful scenery and you look so relaxed and peaceful as well as beautiful! Glad you are there. Hope I can make it too someday.
I hope you can make it too Sharron! it’s just something that NEEDS to be experienced…not even just seen.
Yikes, thanks!
Hope you are rolling again soon….
Stunning. Absolutely stunning.
❤️❤️
Sob
I’m sorry Elinor! I didn’t mean to make you sad! 💖
We visited 3 years ago and were amazed at the beauty! Loved driving down highway 1!!!
It really is awe inspiring, isn’t it Dawn?
Sure is. Just read your reply to Dave. Hope you are able to figure out a way to drive to Alaska. I think that would be purely awesome!
How can those beautiful sites make your heart ache and feel joy at the same time. I can’t think of Big Sur without remembering all our peaceful times there – – almost smell the air. If everyone could spend one day there there would be no war. Thanks for bringing us all there with you.
I think your right Marie…no more war.
I think part of the good way I feel when I’m there is having so many good memories associated with it. It really is heartbreakingly beautiful.
I LOVE the California Coast, especially between Santa Barbara and Monterey, all the way up through Washington…and together with a number of National Parks (Yosemite, Yellowstone, Glacier, Crater Lake, etc) I thought I would never see anything better…until we went to Alaska this year where much of it is like these places on steroids. But all these places, and the places we enjoyed in Canada on the way up and back, ALL hold a special place in my heart…and I think the “heart ache” is that each moment you are there you can’t “bottle it up for later”, you have to soak it in and hold on to each and every moment. I review the pictures, which brings back the memories…but the smell, the feel…the memories just are not the same as being there. Enjoy it while you can.
And Dave I followed you all the way to Alaska and back…on your blog that is. ( I have never been successful when I try to leave comments there.).
I experienced your beautiful pictures, your bears, and Scruffy’s illness and recovery.
I would love to do Alaska….but not feeling up to making the trip alone. I know there are caravans, but not so sure that would work for me either. I need to come upon just the right situation.
I flew there once. To Fairbanks/North Pole and stayed with friends. ( Hi Carmen and Gip)…and I did that in November. Go figure… but some of my best memories are watching beautiful displays of the Northern Lights from the hot tub, in up to my chin, wearing a warm beanie hat, with the temp about -25.
However we weren’t able to see too many of the shights…too cold and too much snow. I’d like to drive it….somehow…someday.
So glad you and Marcie got to experience that beauty and now you will always have those wonderful memories to cherish. But true, ‘ain’t nothin’ like the real thing…’
That is one of my favorite places. I’ve been there several times and it always takes my breath away. I’m in love with Carmel too! If i ever win millions of dollars in the lottery thats where I’m moving! (currently living in Los Angeles).
Hi Heidi, it’s been my fantasy for 20+ years to live in Big Sur….not in some big fancy house…just something small and simple. Maybe we’ll be neighbors someday. 🙂
That sounds great!! I’d love to be your neighbor! My dream is a small house with some property so i can have my senior dog rescue.
Hey I’ll help you with the senior dog rescue!
Your photos are just gorgeous. You continue to be inspiring😊 I’d sure like to see you one of these days again😘
Me too Deb!
And thank you. Girl, you are pretty inspiring yourself! 😘😘