Central California Coast

California Trip: October 2013

Big Sur, Kirk Creek, and Elephant Seals

Big Sur - Where the continent meets the deep blue sea.

The final leg of my California trip last October took me through the spectacular scenery along the central California coastline. Though I reached the coast at Monterrey, I had only limited time and didn't stop there or in Carmel, two gorgeous locales that you should visit if you haven't already.

Instead I proceeded down the coast to one of my favorite camping spots from years ago. Here are some photos from that trip down the coast, at Kirk Creek campground run by the National Park Service, and of the Elephant Seals at Piedras Blancas.

One of the lovely arched bridges carrying Highway 1 south along the coast.

Looking south.

Looking North

Same viewpoint as above, but zoomed it a bit.

Evening: looking south from Kirk Creek campground.

Hwy 1 and trail from the campground down to the sea and Kirk Creek.

Sunset from Kirk Creek Campground

The full moon sets before dawn at Kirk Creek campground.

iPhone panorama from trailhead on bluff top at Kirk Creek campground. View larger.

Kirk Creek and trail to the sea.

Two image panorama of the rocks at the mouth of Kirk Creek. View larger.

Elephant Seal rookery at Piedras Blancas, just south of the Big Sur coastline.

Sweet dreamer

Just a quick dip

Napping with family and friends

Thanks for coming along on this photo journey to California. Hope you enjoyed this glimpse of a wonderful area of our country.