09.13.07
From the issue Last-Minute Big Sur
Kick Back in Big Sur
Flight of the Condors: California condors are making a comeback, and Big Sur is one of their main stages. According to the Ventana Wildlife Society, Grimes Point is the best place to spot these rare, mighty-winged birds. There are no signs for Grimes Point—you just have to know where it is and what time to be there. Late afternoon's matinee performance is the best chance to catch the condors in action. Pull your car off Highway 1 exactly 2.1 miles south of Nepenthe (look for house construction). Stare up, keep your eyes peeled—and leave your small-ish pets inside the car!Sunset Satisfied: Make like Ansel Adams and catch a poster-worthy sunset at Pfeiffer Beach in Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park, which is easily accessed about one mile south of the park's entrance on the west side of Highway 1. The turn-off for Pfeiffer Beach is poorly marked, so you have to look for it. It's a windy, two-mile road down to the beach, which can be packed during a sunny day; but the traffic thins by sunset. Bring layers and a camera to capture the fire in the sky. (The beach is dog-friendly.)
Local Tunes: Sometimes there's live music at the local...uhhh…library? Yup, that's right, the Henry Miller Library brings Big Surians out in droves for live performances under the redwood canopy in the library's front yard. We're told Neil Young drops by on occasion.
