Being an optimist doesn’t mean I always think things are rosy. Two weeks of a giant wildfire terrorizing your community and neighboring towns clearly isn’t a good thing. But acknowledging the fear (yes, there was a lot of fear and worry), and then trying not to dwell on something I couldn’t change was a daily struggle. I tried to see the bigger picture. I saw tremendous acts of caring and giving from people just wanting to help. And don’t even get me started on the first responders and firefighters. After being out of my home for 12 days and still under mandatory evacuation, an officer guarding our road escorted me to the house and helped me grab a few things and make sure everything was secure. When I broke down in tears as the stress of the past few days caught up with me, he said,” I’m not supposed to do this”, and gave me a hug. That act of kindness will be something I will always remember. We owe so much to these brave men and women…
It’s been a strange Christmas and everything seems out of sorts. I feel like I left my life for a while. But looking back on photos I took during the month of December, there was much to be cherished and remembered. I wanted to share a few more images from Big Sur…
There is nothing quite like a Big Sur sunrise…
Scattered about the ranch are old fallen redwoods that have been made into rustic benches…
This huge rock has a crevice that during high tide, the water rushes through
Voila!
I will never get over the aquamarine color of the water
How an abalone shell survives the huge waves to land on this rocky beach intact is a mystery to me!
Treasures from the sea…
A lone poppy. In the spring, this piece of land will be awash in yellow poppies…
Old bathtubs were used as water troughs for the cattle on the ranch.
The spectacular end to another day…
A drive up the coast to McWay Falls never ceases to inspire.
Breathtaking view from the opposite side as well…
Pulling off the side of Highway 1 can give you scenes like this.
A warmer than normal day allowed me to eat outside at Nepenthe. It’s name means bringing forgetfulness of sorrow or trouble…perfect.
Surrounded by sunset at the ranch
Steps down to Sand Dollar Beach
The crescent shape of Sand Dollar Beach is a thing of sheer beauty…
Last day at the ranch and feeling blessed for the time spent here and that our Santa Barbara home was safe…
Storm clouds moving in on my last evening…a sign of hope for the beginning of the rainy season.
Lovely – thank you for the return to Big Sur……What is the name of the ranch where you stayed?
Hi Holly. It was wonderful to be back although under stressful times. The ranch is 385 acres of beauty on both sides of Highway 1 that is owned by my brother in law. It is a private homestead. 🙂
What a wonderful place to live! You and your brother are lucky to have that spot of heaven on earth. Be well.
Thank you for these inspiring fotos of spectacular Big Sur. My kinda country. And I’m so glad things are okay with your home. Best wishes for 2018. 🎇 janina
It is a truly beautiful and spiritual place. Thank you for your kind wishes and a happy and healthy New Year to you! Elizabeth
Glad to hear you are safe and your beautiful house survived the fire. It is hard to imagine what it must be like, to maybe loose your home, here on the other side of the world in a country with lots of rain. ( Holland) I admire you for being able to see the good things, while living in fear. Well done.
I wish you a safe and healthy 2018, with lots of blogposts about your beuatiful home, that so many of us enjoy!
Hi Petra! I lived most of my life on the East Coast of the US where we get plenty of rain, so yes, wildfires are a new and frightening reality. And as sad as it is, fires are a part of nature and things will grow again. I hope to get back to a somewhat normal blogging schedule again soon! Happy New Year to you too! Best, Elizabeth
Beautiful…..😬
I always enjoy your photos of Big Sur! Wishing you many blessings in the new year! ❤️
Thank you, Gerri and a very happy and healthy 2018 to you!