Sunday, July 8, 2012

Pacific Coast Highway and The Big Sur

Normally I wouldn't dedicate an entire post to describing a drive, but the trip up the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH), or California 1, is undoubtedly one of the best drives I have ever done, and probably will ever do.

The Pacific Coast Highway, especially the section throughout the Big Sur is frequently named as one of America's iconic drives, and the rugged and tranquil route throughout the coastal mountains has inspired many artists, from writers to musicians over the years.

Our journey up the PCH started in the coastal areas of Laguna Beach, Malibu and Newport Beach,  which provided a bit of a glimpse into the world of the more affluent residents of California. A notable sign as to the wealth of the area, aside from the very tridy streets, sweeping views and extravagant houses were the amount of luxury cars for saled in the used car lots.

A day of what, at the time we thought were unbeatable views, finished off in San Luis Obispo, with still about 220 miles of our 540 or so mile left to finish. We arrived in San Luis Obispo too late to partake in the monthly Farmer's market, which is apparently a big deal, but still managed to track down the controversial Bubblegum Alley. Rumoured to have started as some sort of one-upmanship between a couple of colleges in the area, it is quite simply, an alleyway covered in bubblegum. Not really a landmark worth writing home about, but interesting nonetheless.

We awoke early the next morning and left through the foggy mist and along the coast once more. The next couple of hours consisted of steep cliff faces, windy roads, fog covered mountains, lush forrests and was truly a sight to behold, and one that pictures don't do any justice to.

Pacific Coastal Highway, California
Pacific Coast Highway, California

Pacific Coastal Highway, California

Pacific Coast Highway, California

Bixby Bridge, Pacific Coastal Highway, California
Pacific Coast Highway, California

Bubblegum Alley, San Luis Obispo
Bubblegum Alley, San Luis Obispo

Bubblegum Alley, San Luis Obispo
Bubblegum Alley, San Luis Obispo