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| The landmark Bixby Bridge in Big Sur |
While pulling off the road for another scenic view, we encountered the local character pictured below. Please note the bird on his head. Apparently, Austin is not the only place "Keeping it Weird".
Before leaving the area, we opted for a hike in Pfeiffer Park. Taking a trail from Big Sur Lodge, it was less than a mile to Pfeiffer Falls, but most of it was uphill through a pristine forest of oaks and redwoods. Then it was time to head for Carmel-by-the-Sea. What can I say about Carmel that you don't already know? Probably not much, but it was even more charming than I remembered. It's brimming with boutiques and art galleries that practically spill down to the beach. Lunch was a great find at Patisserie Boissiere where the smell of butter and freshly baked french pastries lured us inside before a stroll on the beach. I couldn't resist stopping to take a picture of this quaint bungalow that was only a block from the beach-heaven on earth. |
I want this!! |
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| Carmel has attracted artists from all over the world |
Next on my "to see" list was the Carmel Mission. Opened in 1791, it is still a functioning Catholic parish and a great example of Spanish Colonial architecture.
San Carlos de Borromeo de Carmelo
More to come in my next post with pics of Monterey, San Francisco and Napa.
