The Beach of Your Dreams
If you close your eyes and imagine the most exclusive and perfect beach in the world, that was our final destination for the day. The weather at this point was light winds and overcast skies, but as we approached the shore the clouds peeled back and the sun was beating down, making the water turn a tropical, turquoise hue. The instant we landed everyone sprinted for the waterfall and got our first shower of the trip. Blown away by the beauty and exclusivity of this beach, we each had our own itinerary for the day. Some swam in the water, others relaxed on the private beach and a couple jumped off some cliffs around the point.
The Exodus
Though our initial plan was to stay the night, we were informed that the winds would be shifting the following day and more swell was expected from the opposite direction we planned to paddle. We discussed the option of battling an 18-mile headwind to our parked car, or call it early and find a place to hike out and hitchhike to our vehicle. Choosing the latter for safety, we packed the gear and paddled back North in search for an outlet where we could hike everything to the road. Fortunately for us, we could see a trail leading to the highway but it wasn’t going to be an easy entry as a nice sand beach was replaced with jagged rocks covered in sharp mussels. As it has been a mantra the entire trip, it is all about timing and this was another instance where we had to wait for the right moment or it could ruin the perfect trip we’d had so far. Despite a couple cuts and bruises, we had a successful landing and hiked all of our gear a mile out and flagged down a ride to our car.
How All Trips End
As our body and minds were exhausted, our only thought was a cold brew and warm meal to recount all the amazing experiences we just had in the last 48 hours. Thankful for our safe travels, we hugged it out and praised one another for the trust and swift thinking that collectively got us home in one piece. With new friends and unforgettable experiences we couldn’t ask for a better adventure with a great group of guys! It is difficult to describe the emotions that Big Sur can engender and truly, it can only be understood when you are present. Replace fear with curiosity and live courageously when in the face of the unknown! SUP
