Mar 16, 2006 3:33 pm US/Pacific
Big Sur/Point Lobos
Episode Synopsis:
The rugged and scenic Big Sur coastline is a signature California destination. Tom visits the Crown Jewel of this seascape: Point Lobos State Reserve. Here, amid history and ancient cypress trees, you'll find stellar hikes and America's oldest underwater preserve. Farther south, Pfeiffer Falls and McWay Falls offer spectacular views, where you might catch a glimpse of one of the 25 California condors who call this place home.
POINT LOBOS STATE RESERVE
Myriad coves and rocky headlands, slick with the spray of endless wave action, define the ocean boundary of Point Lobos State Reserve. One of only two remaining groves of twisted Monterey Cypress trees is here to be explored, and pods of Gray and Humpback whales can be spotted on their seasonal migrations. The whaling history of the point is captured in a converted, 150-year-old cabin in the park. Amid the ancient tools of the mariners and bleached whalebones, you'll discover there's more to Point Lobos than you ever thought possible. If you're looking to give back to the outdoors, Point Lobos always looks for volunteers to staff the museum and lead interpretive hikes.
http://www.parks.ca.gov/default.asp?page_id=571DIVING POINT LOBOS WITH THE UNDERWATER COMPANY
Point Lobos Reserve extends well beyond the breakers… it protects all plant and animal life within its underwater reefs. Diving here is spectacular, because the area hasn't been fished since the 1960s. The State Park system restricts the amount of diving teams to 15 per day, and advance reservations for weekends are highly recommended. For a guided tour off the point, contact Captain Phil Sammet at The Underwater Company. Captain Phil has logged over three thousand dives here, and can show you every nook, cranny, and blue rockfish in the reserve. (831) 372-3200.
PFEIFFER BIG SUR STATE PARK
In the rainy season, from December through May, you can enjoy the beauty of Pfeiffer Falls at full flow. The hike to the falls is a quick trip – only about a mile – so it makes for a perfect excuse to stretch your legs during a driving tour on scenic Highway 1. The park also offers a popular campground and picnic area.
http://www.parks.ca.gov/default.asp?page_id=570 VENTANA WILDLIFE SOCIETY
The Ventana Wildlife Society is dedicated to preservation of wildlife and to conservation efforts within the Big Sur area. They are the only privately-funded group to assist in the California Condor recovery program, and were the driving force behind bringing the bald eagle back to the Central Coast. They also sponsor educational programs, especially for kids, at their center in Andrew Molera State Park. They rely on member support to back their lofty programs, so if you'd like to get in on a members-only condor field trip, contact them for more information on how to join.
http://www.ventanaws.org LOBOS LODGE
Located just four blocks from the beach in Downtown Carmel, Lobos Lodge has the feel of a Mediterranean retreat, and offers a good number of comfortable rooms, all with fireplaces. This is a perfect base, centrally located, for your outdoor adventures around the Monterey Peninsula and the Big Sur Coast.
http://www.loboslodge.com WALLIN'S DIVE CENTER
For top-notch diving instruction in the Bay Area, you can wet your toes at Wallin's Dive Center in San Carlos, just off the 101, next to REI. A couple days of training in their heated pool will have you ready to experience the underwater beauty of the Monterey Bay… and beyond!
http://www.wallins.com LIQUID IMMERSIONS
Dan Silveira, a diving instructor who's seen more ocean in the past few years than most people see in a lifetime, is the man behind our underwater camera. Do you want to document your next diving trip? Liquid Immersions will provide incredible footage of exotic sea life, spearfishing hunts, and your smiling face behind the regulator. (650) 619-8676.
MONTEREY COUNTY CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU
Need more information on any of these destinations, or want more inspiration for additional fun in the Monterey Peninsula and Big Sur Coast? From lodging to shopping to dining, The Monterey County Convention & Visitors Bureau is there to help you out.
http://www.montereyinfo.org You can find additional information on these outdoors locations and others in Tom Stienstra's guidebooks, available from his website.
http://www.tomstienstra.com Email Tom Stienstra at
tstienstra@sfchronicle.com
