A weekend trip to Big Sur, and a last minute affair took us away from our normal jobs in the City, and off to a weekend get away. The idea was conceived a few days before, but our plan was to leave right after work and reach Big Sur at night.  We were hoping, since it was a Friday night, that we would be able to get a campsite.  Sometimes last minute plans work out, and sometimes they just don’t.  But on our way up, we stopped by at Piedras Blancas Rookery, the elephant seal beach in San Simeon and had a wonderful time watching these creatures sleep in the moonlight.  There is always something so serene about full moon photos.

And a moonlit group photo, with the Piedras Blancas lighthouse in the background.

Since we were driving around nearly 1 a.m. in the morning, and it seem liked our usual campsite was closed.  We really didn’t know what to do.  There weren’t anymore hotels or real campsites to go to.  Since it would have been more dangerous to continue driving, we decided to at least get a few hours of sleep before we could officially get our site the next morning at Andrew Molera State Park.

With only a few hours of shut eye, I decided to drag the group out for a full moon adventure at McWay Falls.  We didn’t even need to get into the park for the view, instead there are some great vantage points right off the road!

The falls, dripping into the ocean.

And as the sun began to rise above the horizon, and the mountains behind us, we had a very dreamy look at McWay.

We headed into the park after it opened, and decided to explore the beauty in the best light.

We also spotted a few dolphins in the distance, and did a little ocean watching.  This is Melody doing her best common dolphin impression.

I guess a school of dolphins joined us as well!

A view as the alpen glow creeps onto the coast in the distance.

And a view of the rugged coastline by Julia Pfeiffer State Park.

View of McWay with Kristen’s iPhone, still just as pretty.

And here, I introduce the unusual suspects of this trip!  Melody comes in first, excited after we set up camp at our official campsite.

Kristen, the pretzel eater.

And babyface Luke!

After setting up camp, we visited our favorite breakfast nook and cafe, the Big Sur Bakery and Restaurant.

Later, we ended up driving up the PCH to explore different areas to photograph.  I was really scouting locations for my next visit.  But I spotted this couple, eating some breakfast by the ocean.

And looking south, just a gorgeous sight.

Luke taking in the views as well.

Kristen, relaxing by the water.

There were a few wildflowers beginning to bloom, since it was the end of February, there wasn’t much action in terms of flowers yet.  Usually the season would be around March.

And the fertile grounds northward.  We ended up seeing the happiest cows grazing these lands, and they were definitely free range.

Luke, looking for the shot!

We ended up grabbing a few beers and drinking as we enjoyed the beautiful day.  We were also looking to time it right so we could get to Julia Pfeiffer State Beach in time to shoot the keyhole.

A little hike with Melody, up the coast back to our car.

And another beach along the way, here was one of the most scenic areas, and definitely a place to come back to shoot during an epic sunset.

Melody, looking along the coast.  I remember our first trip was to Big Sur, and really am amazed how much times have changed, yet this part of California remains.  A pristine coastline for, hopefully, generations to come.

As I gazed down, I ended up seeing this peculiar fellow, skinny dipping in the waters below.

And as the sun began to set, and the fog began to roll in, we headed out to our sunset location.

Luke looking for the shot at Julia Pfeiffer State Beach, a very diverse landscape.

I ended up setting up early, since there were already a few photographers in the area. This let me setup my shot before it gets too crowded.  This area is a sought out shot for many landscape photographers, and it’s just crazy how many people come during the weekends.  We were lucky to have clear skies, unlike last time, to get some really wonderful light through the hole.

And the color began to change as the sun set more and more.

A wide view, with even more ember glowing as the sun cuts through the keyhole.

And I decided to leave, just before the sun began to turn the crimson I was looking for, and here was the view of the place.  There were just too many people, and not enough were looking for something a little different.

The side view also gives a nice expression as well, out of the hole and onto the splashing waters ahead of it.  But I wanted to get back to another rock I saw earlier in the day and grab a shot during the peak moments.

The sea cave that I saw was this, just a unique view of the area, and I was the only one shooting it!  The last grasp of light, grazing the edges of the rock, with a very vibrant purple sea rock below was definitely worth going away for, and something that most people would have missed.

The next day, we headed back home, but first a stop at Sand Dollar Beach

We found a few of these people, fishing in the shallow waves.  I was surprised to see how big the fish really were.

Luke and Kristen hiking ahead.

The most interesting thing, was the different composition of rock that made a lot the rocks on this beach.  Just a special green and granite.

Kristen, and saying good bye, and hopefully hello another time.