Big Sur - one of the most dramatic stretches of coastline in the world

The Big Sur area along the central California coast is one of the most spectacular sections of coastline in the world. Elephant seals, pelicans, high mountains, cliffs, stunning beaches, and other surprises are around every corner. Even successfully searched for jade scattered along the beaches.


 

Morro Bay - Once known as the abalone capital of the world

 

In the mid-1900s, Morro Bay, on the central California coast, was the biggest source of abolone in the United States. Millions of pounds were harvested here from 1916 through the early 1960s, until the abalone supply crashed. The last commercial harvest was in 1980. The abalone decline has been attributes to over-fishing, disease, the impact of ocean warming on kelp beds needed for abalone survival, and the increase in the number of Southern sea otter.

Last wave sea otter challenge at Pismo Beach

As the sun was setting, the sea otters were as much up for surfing the waves as the surfers. No hesitation here for getting in line to catch that last evening wave! Spectacular beach and sunsets. Pismo Beach is a great little beach town with that small California coast town vibe.


 

30,000 butterflies at one of the largest overwintering sites for the Western Monarch

The Pismo Beach Monarch Butterfly Grove shelters Monarch butterflies from freezing temperatures during the winter. This grove is one of only a few sites that count over 10,000 butterflies annually. This location is estimated to contain around 30,000 butterflies each winter and is the largest wintering area on the west coast. Once temperatures begin to warm, the monarchs will begin their migration north again. Many are still here now, and it is incredible to see so many Monarchs flying around in one place.

By-the-wind sailors, surfers, and sunsets at Jalama Beach

 

Our timing was just right to see miles of the beach covered with Velella velella, also known as by-the-wind sailors or sea rafts. These deep purple creatures, a distant relative of jelly fish, travel the seas propelled by the winds captured by their sail. They usually stay far out at sea but are sometimes pushed to shore in certain sea conditions. Lots of surfers, gorgeous sunsets and miles of beach hiking make this off the beaten path place special. Have to again mention the Jalama burger as well. Worth the trip just for that!

Touring the Santa Ynez Valley and Santa Barbara

Never would have thought we would stumble across a really good 80's band playing at an outdoor forum in the campground restaurant at Lake Cachuma, but yes, we were in luck on a great Saturday evening! Next up, Santa Barbara and wine tasting in the Ynez Valley in the towns of Solvang and Los Olivos. 

 

Death Valley and all the weather extremes packed into a week

Interesting Death Valley experience this time around. Arrived with snow advisories in the passes travelling from Nevada through Beatty, then flooding rains in Death Valley, soaring to temperatures a few days later into the 90s, then a day of 65 mph winds, and finally back to snow advisories heading to the coast. Incredible to see Badwater Basin full of water (Lake Manly) and getting the opportunity to wade into a very large saltwater lake. Hiking as usual was great.

 

Death Valley brightens when the flowers bloom

Spring warmth and the bloom of flowers. Pretty amazing considering Death Valley most of the year. Desert gold is grabbing the headlines now. Brilliant patches of the yellow flower cover the hills around Ubehebe Crater and Dantes View. Significant rainfall (and I mean significant!) in the last few days will help the spring bloom.

America's scariest motel?

Located in Tonopah, Nevada, the Clown Motel is identified by some as the scariest motel in America. Situated next to the historic Tonopah cemetery, the motel is said to be haunted. Which room should I book?