Unfortunate Detour

We left a beautiful chunk of Nirvana behind this morning as we left beautiful Cambria. We were not able to drive much further north along the coast due to another massive mudslide last weekend. A massive mudslide covered Highway 1 at Mud Creek, just 24 miles north of Cambria. We could have driven up but then turn right back around through Cambria again. The mudslide caused an estimated 1.5 million tons of mud to slide into the ocean creating 16 new acres of land in the Pacific. We already knew we could not get all the way north through Big Sur due to heavy winter rains that so damaged Pfeiffer Canyon Bridge just south of Big Sur. The detour we ended up having to take is but an inconvenience for us. It's the people who live along the area we feel most badly for. The detour was incredibly kind to us in serving up some beautiful scenery yet again.

Part of the detour was to take Highway 46. We were amazed by mile after beautiful mile of wineries. Not just a few but dozens with each one seeming to surpass the size of the last one.

We arrived at Carmel By the Sea and diverted south to take in Big Sur from the north. The splendor of the ocean and its power are remarkable!

We wanted to stop in and have lunch at a local business in Big Sur. Businesses have been so devastated with the road closures. This is greatly impacting their businesses. Last year they faced fires and now this.

As you approach the end of the road, the signs tell it all...

As we drove back north, it certainly gives one pause to view how these slopes have been eroded away leaving these trees precariously balanced on the edge. Though this is just one slope, there are countless others just like it.

Notice that there is no room for dirt and trees to fall without impacting the roadway.

And when you look above you see more hills towering above.

This is the Bixby Creek Bridge. It was constructed in 1932 and stands 260 feet above the creek. The bridge is indeed beautiful and I'm told that it is the most photographed bridge in California. The failed Pfeiffer Canyon Bridge was constructed in the 1960s. It gives one cause to contemplate turning around given the incredible wind gusts. As we checked into our motel, The Inn at the Bay, Monterey, Caitlin took care of checking us in. There was a large photo of the Bixby Bridge. I commented about our harrowing ride this afternoon and Caitlin explained that she grew up in Big Sur and school was in Carmel-by-the -Sea; a full two hour bus ride every morning and afternoon. I believe that would be a lot more harrowing than that which we experienced. Thanks Caitlin for such great service!

And then there is this guy. I need not say any more.

Till Tomorrow!