Though technically we visited Monterrey first, in our hearts our California vacation began with Big Sur and Pfeiffer Beach.
Perhaps that is because the redwood trees and sheer natural beauty of the area make us feel so solidly connected to Earth.
Here we camped and hiked and observed wildlife at our own pace.
Sometimes we got a little wild ourselves.
If you look closely, this Western Fence Lizard has been regrowing its tail.
This Stellar Jay found us hiking along a trail to the falls. It flew up to a nearby branch to consume its nut at a comfortable height.
Stellar Jays boldly wake up Big Sur campers each morning. The loud birds move in groups from campsite to campsite. It’s fascinating to listen to the way they communicate with each other. Also common near the campsites were Dark-eyed Juncos. 
Acorn Woodpeckers are social, busy birds. Their coloration is striking. We also spotted a Northern Flicker and some Downy Woodpeckers during our stay.
Within the forest, down at the base of the trees, one feels a little sheltered from the fog, but as you drive along the coast, fog can come and go and come right back again quite suddenly. Fog was our friend during our vacation — well, it sure seemed to like us because it visited a lot during our stay.
But even the side of the highway is gorgeous. My son snapped this picture of coastal sedums and other plants while we waited for our turn on a one-lane section of Highway 1 that was being repaired.
Not too far from Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park is Pfeiffer Beach, one of my favorite coastal spots along the Pacific.
It has big crashing waves, arched rocks, dunes, and — brrrr — chilly water.
We were there mid-day, and Pfeiffer is gorgeous all day long, but let me tell you that if you really want to see something spectacular, visit Pfeiffer at sunset.
The boys discovered they love the “sandfall” effect when climbing a steep hill of sand.
Logan wrote an obligatory “UFOs Land Here” message in the sand.
It’s all fun and games until you whip yourself on the butt.
Working on these pictures makes me long to return to Big Sur. Next up, Point Lobos!
Lovely! I look forward to your Point Lobos post because we went there too after the Fling. When were you there, Meredith? We were there just before the 4th of July.
We were there on July 9, Pam — just a few days apart!
Stellar’s jays and acorn woodpeckers!!! Two of my favorites!
Looks like a great vacation, Meredith! The shot your son took of the coastal Sedums is fascinating. Next time I’m out that way, I’ll have to watch for similar groupings.
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