Highway 1 Drive

Gosh...I'm extremely behind on my blogging, but I'm doing my best to catch up. Things were a bit crazy for a time there, but everything seems to be settling down. Its funny how our lives ebb and flow, but nature seems to have its own course for us.

I've been doing a ton of shooting recently (which I'm way behind on) and about a month ago I headed down to Paso to shoot a wedding. The next day I was feeling pretty lazy and I wasn't in any hurry to get home so I decided to take the scenic route....beautiful Highway 1. This route from SLO to Monterey is hands down one of my favorite drives. You pass so many incredible sights and gorgeous coastal vistas. This road has a personality of its own. I'd consider it one of California's greatest attractions. Since I was already armed with my photo gear I decided to take my time on this drive and stop anywhere I could get a chance. The weather this day was a bit on the gloomy side, but I still managed to capture some great images. There's literally 100's of unique places to stop along the route, so I did my best to cover a few.

First stop was the quaint town of Harmony (Population 18).
There's not exactly a ton to see here, but its worth a stop. Be sure to peruse the local pottery and glass shop.

Somehow this beat up red truck manages to maintain it's charm over the years.

On the shores of the beaches near San Simeon the Elephant Seals gather each year to do their "business". Its quite a site to see hundreds of these creatures sprawled out along the coast. I would have loved to get some closer shots, but access to the seals is restricted to ensure their privacy and your protection.

Not far after San Simeon you reach Ragged Point. This is one of the few places you can stop and grab a bite to eat on your drive. They've got a nice sit down restaurant and an outside grill for people in a hurry and on a budget. This place is also one of my favorite coastal vistas. If you're brave enough, there's a shoddy footpath that will take you all the way to the shore. Its a bit of a trek, but worth it if you have the time.


Last but not least, one of my favorite destinations, Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park in Big Sur. Unfortunately this area was recently ravaged by a series of forest fires, but they can't take away from the beauty of the famous beach with the 80 foot waterfall that cascades directly onto the shoreline. I'd give my right arm to be able to run along that beach one day...too bad I'd probably crack my skull open in the process. People die every year trying to get down to this piece of paradise. I guess we'll have to settle with looking at it from afar.



I would have loved to cover more spots on this trip, but unfortunately I had to work the next day. In the meantime I'd highly recommend the drive if you've never taken it before. You won't be disappointed.