El Sur Grande 2005-6
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Free! • Big Sur Guide • Free! Summer 2005-Spring 2006 Big Sur coastline ~ Photo by Stan Russell “The Greatest Meeting of Land & Sea” ig Sur is located along Scenic Highway ous redwood lumbering industry provided live- inches fills the many streams that flow down the One approximately 150 miles south of lihoods for many. The Old Coast Trail, which redwood-lined canyons. Coastal fog cools the sum- San Francisco and 300 miles north of Los had been the only link between homesteads, was mer mornings, but it usually lifts by early after- BAngeles. Historically, the name Big Sur, was noon. still little more than a wagon trail. Steamers derived from that unexplored and unmapped transported heavy goods and supplies and har- wilderness area which lays along the coast south bored at Notley’s Landing, Partington Cove, It is wise to include both warm and cold of Monterey. It was simply called El Sur Grande, and the mouth of the Little Sur River. weather clothing when packing for Big Sur. A The Big South. Today, Big Sur refers to that 90- damp, foggy morning can be followed by a warm mile stretch of rugged and awesomely beautiful Navigation was treacherous, and in 1889, afternoon. In the interior valleys of the Wilderness coastline between Carmel to the north and San the Point Sur Lighthouse began sending its pow- Area, the temperatures are more extreme; the fog Simeon (Hearst Castle) to the south. Highway erful beam to protect ships from the hazards of bank seldom crosses the coast ridge, so the days One winds along its length and is flanked on one the coastline. are likely to be hot and the nights chilly. side by the majestic Santa Lucia Mountains and on the other by the rocky Pacific Coast. In 1937, the present highway was com- The scenic qualities and the natural grandeur pleted after eighteen years of construction at a of the coast which result from the imposing geog- Although there were two Mexican land considerable expense even with the aid of con- raphy, the rich vegetative compositions, and the grants awarded in the 1830’s, which included vict labor. The highway has since been declared dramatic meetings of land and sea are the area's most of the area north of the Big Sur Valley, California’s first Scenic Highway, and it pro- greatest single attraction to the public. Big Sur has neither grantee settled on the land. It was little vides a driving experience unsurpassed in natu- attained a worldwide reputation for its spectacular more than a century ago when the first perma- ral beauty and scenic variety. beauty. Hiking, backpacking and scenic driving nent settlers arrived in Big Sur. In the following are major recreational activities. decades other hardy persons followed and staked Electricity did not arrive in Big Sur until the out their homesteads. The landmarks bear the early 1950’s, and it still does not extend the Highway 1 through Big Sur is a designated names of many of those early settlers — Mt. length of the coast or into the more remote American National Scenic Byway & California Manuel, Pfeiffer Ridge, Post Summit, Cooper mountainous area. Scenic Highway, an Point, Dani Ridge, Partington Cove and others. honor reserved for Some of their descendants still live in Big Sur. The proximity of the Pacific Ocean pro- highways that are so vides for a temperate climate. Winters are mild, distinctive they are At the turn of the century Big Sur sustained and rainy days are interspersed with periods of destinations unto a larger population than it does today. A vigor- bright sunshine. An average rainfall of over 50 themselves. www.bigsurcalifornia.org page 2 El Sur Grande Big Sur Guide Your Official Resource Guide to the Big Sur Coast 2005-2006 Table of Contents • Handling Big Sur with Care ... page 2 • Point Sur Lighthouse ............ page 3 • Hunting & Fishing ................. page 3 • Ventana Wilderness ............... page 3 • Map..................................... pages 4-5 • Big Sur Visitor Resources ..... pages 6-7 • Reservations ........................ pages 6-7 • Where's the Beach? ................ page 8 • Redwoods ........................... page 8 Acknowledgements Big Sur Guide is a publication provided as a public service by : • Big Sur Chamber of Commerce • Monterey County Convention & Visitors Bureau Big Sur Chamber of Commerce Editorial Committee – Chris Counts, Rick Aldinger, Dan Priano, Stan Russell. If you have any questions about the articles, information or revisions of this publication, please send them to: Big Sur Chamber of Commerce P.O. Box 87 Big Sur, CA 93920 Call (831) 667-2100 www.bigsurcalifornia.org Bixby Bridge from Hurricane Point Photo by Daniel Bianchetta Photography: How to handle Big Sur with care Stan Russell - www.bigsurinternet.com Brock Bradford - www.heartbeatbigsur.com Big Sur is a special place to many people. To visitors. On U.S. Forest Service lands, pets Daniel Bianchetta - www.bigsurphoto.com help keep it that way and ensure your own safety, must be leashed in developed campgrounds and observe some simple rules and follow these basic picnic areas only. In the State Parks, they must safety tips. be on a leash at all times and are not allowed on About the Big Sur Guide trails. This publication is supported in part by FIRES — Our biggest concern during the POISON OAK — This toxic plant is found the Monterey County Board of Supervisors dry season is wildfire. Please extinguish ciga- in Big Sur in abundance. Exposure to the plant through a grant from the Monterey County rettes in your ashtray. Be extra careful, making can be spread by hands, clothing, pets, or equip- Travel & Tourism Alliance. Through this sure that your fire is safe and legal. Be sure to ment which has come in contact with the plant guide we hope to answer your questions extinguish your fire when you leave. or from the smoke generated when burning it. regarding the Big Sur Coast Much of the reactive substance can be removed COLLECTING — Plants, animals, rocks by immediate washing with cool water and and artifacts of Big Sur's cultural and natural soap. Look for the triple leaf pattern, with Emergency Information history are protected by law and should not be prominent veins and a shiny surface. During disturbed. Rockhounding and collection of drift- the Summer and Fall, the leaves take on red- In case of emergency, dial 911. wood and firewood may be allowed in certain dish hues. Try and avoid this plant. Other emergency phone numbers include: designated areas. Collectors should contact the • AAA (800) 400-4222 nearest ranger station for specific information. DRIVING TIPS FOR HIGHWAY 1 — • Big Sur Garage & Towing 24-hour emergency State Highway One through the Big Sur is services, lock outs, RV towing, auto repair, tires. LITTER — Please don't litter! Please treat recognized as one of the state's most beautiful AAA approved. (831) 667-2181 bigsurgarage.com Big Sur gently and with respect so that it will • Big Sur Health Center (831) 667-2580 highways and also is very dangerous. remain the beautiful place we all love. • Big Sur Station, State Parks, U.S. Forest Keep these tips in mind when you travel Service, Cal-Trans (831) 667-2315 this route: PRIVATE PROPERTY — Please be mind- • Community Hospital of the Monterey 1) Drive defensively! You never know ful and respectful of the property rights of others. what hazard may be behind that next blind Peninsula (831) 624-5311 Most of the land adjacent to the highway is corner. Community Hospital is the nearest hospi- posted private property, and trespassing laws are 2) Buckle up! It's the law. tal to Big Sur. It is located approximately strictly enforced. 3) Keep your eyes on the road — if you 30 miles north of Pfeiffer Big Sur State want to enjoy the scenery, pull over. Park. Follow Highway One to Carmel, ROADSIDE CAMPING — Monterey 4) Maintain your speed and abide by posted taking the Highway 68 exit (west) to the County prohibits camping along Highway 1 from limits which is 55 MPH unless otherwise posted. hospital. the Carmel River to the Monterey-San Luis Slower traffic should pull over. Monterey-Salinas Transit Obispo County line. This does not apply to tired 5) When pulling over, avoid quick stops on The route 22 bus runs from Monterey to Big Sur motorists stopping for a temporary rest. the unpaved pull outs and shoulders. April - October 6) Don't pass on the double yellow lines. www.mst.org PETS — Pets frighten wildlife and disturb El Sur Grande page 3 Public tours available at historic Point Sur lighthouse The Point Sur Light Station, located on the Big Sur coast 19 miles south of Carmel, sits 361 feet above the surf on the seaward brow of a large block of volcanic rock. This rugged prom- ontory has long been regarded as a navigational hazard. Prior to construction of the lighthouse (1887-1889), the area was the site of several disastrous shipwrecks. Designated as a State Historic Landmark in 1980, Point Sur contains all the buildings necessary to maintain a self-sufficient 19th- Century lighthouse facility. It is the only in- tact light station along the California coast open to the public. As a part of the Big Sur coast for the past 100 years, the picturesque p buildings inspire an aura of mystery and haunt- ing beauty, continuing to be an important land- mark to modern day mariners as well as travel- ers along Highway 1. Construction of the light station began in 1887 and was completed two years later. At that time Point Sur was one of the more re- Photos by Brock Bradford HISTORIC LIGHTSTATION mote light stations.