Savoring the (Long) Moments

It seems that vacations get shorter and shorter as the years go on.  Or, at the least, you try to cram more and more into each trip because times get to be more precious and the relaxed exploration that was formerly a norm is now a rare exception.

It is time now for me to remember those long car trips.  April 2007 – when this photo was taken during a car trip between my sister’s place in the Bay Area and San Simeon, Morro Bay, San Luis Obispo, and home to Pasadena – does not seem that long ago but when I think of all trips taken in each year since, it seems to be generations ago.

Big Sur Coastline, Southward

The photo included here was taken on Highway 1 near Big Sur along the central California coast.  One of my favorite places in the state.  A fascinating transition between the Monterey/Salinas area and San Luis Obispo County.  Sea cliffs, treacherous constantly-under-repair roadway infrastructure, amazing bridges (especially the Bixby Creek Bridge), all make for a great journey.

My primary memory of the trip is that it was not hectic, and the curvy time-intensive drive was not the least bit stressful.  It was my first trip to the area, outside of the towns to the north and south, and the sense of exploration was very high inside of me.  Some of my favorite photos were taken there.  I think I have missed out on those great photos when a journey is rushed.

Here’s to the next exploration, taken at a human pace.