Page 43 - Outstanding Women Friendly Physicians (2)

Big Sur adventure 2.) Jade Beach is the halfway mark of Highway 1. There is a park-

ing lot and a not too rugged path down to the beach. On the beach
By Robin Dohrn-Simpson there are two bays, plenty of sand and a great spot to surf and hunt
for green jade rocks. Are they real jade? I’m not sure, but they look
like it: Very shiny and green, with white veins running through them.
Just be careful of the poison oak. We weren’t.
California has many natural treasures that will take your breath
away, but one of my personal favorites is the Big Sur Highway. This
California Scenic Highway stretches 125 miles (200 km) from Cam- 3.) Maybe the most photographed waterfall in Big Sur is at the Julia
bria in the south to Monterey in the North. Pfeiffer State Park. A short walk from the main road opens up to
a calm, thin, waterfall that spills directly into a protected bay. The
water in bright turquoise,and the sand is pristine.
The scenic two-lane road winds along the dramatic Santa Lucia
4.) Nepenthe Restaurant hovers over the Pacific
Ocean with a spectacular 50-mile ocean view. The
Fassett family, who has owned the restaurant for
almost 50 years, felt they couldn’t keep the view to
themselves and needed to share it with everyone.
They hired an architect (who studied under Frank
Lloyd Wright) and built an angular restaurant that is
surrounded by windows and patios filled with tables
facing the ocean. Inside and out there are giant fire-
places that have served as a meeting space to talk
and warm up with a drink. Next door to the restaurant
is The Phoenix Shop featuring merchandise from both
local and international artisans.
5.) Art galleries and artist communities. The juxtaposi-
tion of the ruggedness of nature and the sensuality of
art is intriguing and compelling. It is virtually impos-
sible not to feel your creative juices flowing amidst this
beauty. Big Sur is populated with artists, many living
in houses precariously perched on oceanfront proper-
ties. You can browse through myriad galleries, attend
San Diego

Mountains that spill from their peak to the Woman
ocean. Much of the shoreline is rugged with no
harbors, while other areas offer sparkling white
sand beaches, with waterfalls that flow into
the sea. In springtime, the Big Sur roadway 43
dazzles with a rainbow of wildflowers. Summer
shows how California got its nickname, The
Golden State; the golden mountains are dotted
with green forests of pine and redwoods.

This is a road convertibles were made for.
There is nothing like the fresh ocean air against
your skin, the smell of redwoods, and the 360
degree view.

However you choose to enjoy the scenery,
make lots of stops, take photos, smell the
roses, take a hike, get a cup of coffee, surf, or
walk along the beach looking for shells or jade.

My top 5 favorite highlights along the retreats, meditate or practice some yoga in this energy rich haven.
highway are:
Every experience on the Big Sur Highway is different. I love to be
open to whatever presents itself. Well, except for road closures.
1.) The thousands of elephant seals who rest on rugged Piedras
Beach to the west of Hearst Castle in San Simeon. You can get out Just today a eucalyptus tree fell across the highway and stopped
of your car and walk around, talk to a docent and experience huge traffic for hours. You never know what’s going to happen on this
mammals. Many form colonies and stay for a few months each rugged roadway. If you’re lucky enough to spend a few days here
year. They give birth, breed, and allow their offspring to grow large either in a lodge, cabin or camping, make sure to bring your
and strong enough to continue their trek up to Alaska or out to sea. camera. You never know what may cross your path.
While on shore they also molt, shedding an entire layer of epidermis
with hair and all. For current road conditions or to find out what’s happening, where
to go, what to see, or where to stay go to: www.bigsurcalifornia.org.