It was a cool February in 2012, shortly before my 37th Birthday that I found myself hitchhiking to Big Sur. While there is actually a small (and I mean really small) town called Big Sur, generally speaking, "Big Sur" refers to a lightly populated region on California's Central Coast. This narrow strip of California is famous around the world for its rugged coastline and mountain views a direct result of the Santa Lucia Mountains dramatic rise from the depths of the Pacific Ocean. As the longest and most scenic stretch of undeveloped coastline in the continental United States, it has been described as one of the most beautiful coastlines anywhere in the world, an isolated stretch of road, mythic in reputation.
It was one of my few destinations of intent during my hitchhiking days. I'd heard of it before, I think the first time was when reading about Jack Kerouac and some of his hangouts. "On The Road" was one of my major inspirations for traveling. It's the book that made me realize I didn't need to be wealthy to travel and so I did. I kicked it Kerouac style for over a decade, going wherever the wind blew me and never carrying more than i could fit in a backpack although that varies dramatically depending on the backpack.
After stopping at the "The Maiden Publick House" in town for some brews...
...and an impromptu drum circle with the exceptionally friendly locals...
...i got a lift down to a spot I would later find out to be known as Fullers Beach and is among the more popular super secret surf spots. I'm not kidding, i was warned multiple times by surfers not to tell anyone about this place. Oops!
It didn't take long to find a great place to camp and I ended up staying in this one spot for nearly a month
The view was spectacular
I even got a couple visits from this California Condor. I did not know what it was at first, I thought it was just a giant vulture which it is but I didn't know that's what condors were.
Regardless it was a rare photographic opportunity with a majestic endangered species. You'll notice the yellow tag used to keep track of these rare birds
Another interesting discovery I made while camping here was the Henry Miller Memorial Library featuring the many works of Henry Miller and other related authors as well as playing host to many well known musical acts on the outdoor stage during the summer months.
Henry Miller was another enigmatic and revolutionary writer from the 50's and earlier breaking many barriers in regard to censorship and sex in literature.
The Henry Miller Library also features free Wi-Fi & Coffee...
...as well as a very friendly resident Norwegian Forest Cat named Theo who was quick to make himself at home on my lap. There's also a Norwegian man there name Magnus who runs the place. Great Guy and a Great Cat
Eventually I returned to Carmel out of necessity but only to resupply and get a lift back out again. This time I traveled farther south on U.S. 1 and up the mountain via Nacimiento-Fergusson Road, Big Sur, California.
I fell in love with views like this one of the marine layer covering the ocean. It looks like a giant fluffy white blanket you could jump on to. Probably not a good idea to try it though.
Of course when the marine layer clears the view is just as amazing.
Before I came to Big Sur I thought you could only get shots like this from an airplane.
I know I know, I need a better camera to take moon shots like this properly.
However we work with what we have, in this case a Nikon CoolPix L22 and I'm glad to have it. It's been a really reliable camera and still works perfectly despite being bought used in October of 2011.
All photographs were taken by me, Aaron Michael Daley using a Nikon CoolPix L22. I retain all rights.
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Photography
Big Sur - My First Trip Hitchhiking Along The California Coast. (Collection of 24 Original Photos)
The Angeles Crest Highway Right Outside Los Angeles, CA U.S.A.
Cloud Ships and The Moon Over Mount Shasta, California - (United States)
Chicken Nuggets + 4 Layer Dip = Dinner...or Aaron's First Food Post EVER!
That Time I Went To India And Didn't Come Back For 3 Years - Part 1
Music
Introducing The "Busking-Trail" Curated by Aaron Michael Daley Ft. "The Boxer" (Cover)
SteemIt Open Mic Week 45 - "Imagine" (Cover)
SteemIt Open Mic Week 44 - "When You've Fallen" (Original)
Steemit Open Mic Week 43 - "Don't Think Twice" (Cover)
SteemIt Open Mic Week 42 - "The Rose" (Cover)
SteemIt Open Mic Week 42 - "I'm Your's" (Cover)
SteemIt Open Mic Week 41 - "Uncivilized Civilization" (Original)
SteemIt Open Mic Week 37 - "Hallelujah" (Cover)
SteemIt Open Mic Week 36 - "The Trader" (Original)
SteemIt Open Mic Week 35 - "Foolish Games" (Cover)
SteemIt Open Mic Week 34 - My First Entry - "Glycerine" (Cover)