Page 87 - WINE DINE AND TRAVEL SPRING 2021 REDISCOVERING CALIFORNIA'S CENTRAL COAST

other Nature still wages constant war
on the pavement and bridges, often
Mshutting it down for months for repairs.
More recently, wildfires have forced road clo-
sures. It’s always good to check with CalTrans
before departing, Also be sure your vehicle is in
excellent condition and has a full tank of gas. Cell
phone reception is iffy and auto services limited.
Just before publication, an enormous chunk of
road washed out, closing Highway 1 into Big Sur.
That said, the drive is worth the many chal-
lenges. Take your time and stop at the many
viewpoints to admire nature at its most beautiful
and majestic.
As we left Santa Barbara for San Simeon, the
day was sunny and bright as we passed rolling
green hills. But Hearst Castle, where we snapped
a photo. The fog rolled in, obliterating the famed
residence in minutes. Fog persisted for miles un-
til Ragged Point Resort, where dozens of road
trippers used the facilities, bought snacks at the
small store and hiked to the viewpoint, hoping
for a coastline glimpse. Sadly, we could only hear
the waves... the fog hovered there, blanketing
the cliffs in white.

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