Garrapata State Park
On my first full day in Carmel Valley, I wanted to visit Point Lobos. Unfortunately that didn't happen. The parking lot was full, so I continued south on Highway 1 to Garrapata State Park. Part of the park is on the beach-side of the highway. I spent a very enjoyable couple of hours walking and meditating here.
The view from above the beach. Gorgeous!
Afterwards I had a late lunch/early dinner at Nepenthe in Big Sur. The drive down there is its own reward. I also bought a little sack of cedar needles that's now making my car smell very good.
The next day I returned to Garrapata in the afternoon. This time I went to the backcountry side of the park. The trail I had chosen was a bit too steep for me, at least in the trainers I was wearing. I slipped several times. The trail in the photo below was better. The things that are glittering on the hillside are cactus pads from the prickly pear cactus.
The view from above the beach. Gorgeous!
Afterwards I had a late lunch/early dinner at Nepenthe in Big Sur. The drive down there is its own reward. I also bought a little sack of cedar needles that's now making my car smell very good.
The next day I returned to Garrapata in the afternoon. This time I went to the backcountry side of the park. The trail I had chosen was a bit too steep for me, at least in the trainers I was wearing. I slipped several times. The trail in the photo below was better. The things that are glittering on the hillside are cactus pads from the prickly pear cactus.