Our First Hike in California


California : Big Sur : Partington Cove


One of Many
One of Many

Inviting Path

This was our warm-up hike, and one that stands out in my mind as the coolest. Not that I don't have a monstrous amount of photos that are equally as cool from other hikes, but a TUNNEL!?!?! I mean, seriously that's pretty dang cool. haha Other than being "cool" the tunnel did serve a purpose at some point in time. Around the turn of the nineteenth century this tunnel was used to reach a loading point in which mules hauled tanbark to.

Partington Cove Tunnel
Partington Cove Tunnel

While walking through the 60 foot tunnel, the past transpires with each and every step; I can't help but think about how many others have traveled between these walls decade after decade.

Inside Tunnel
Inside the Tunnel

After exiting the tunnel you follow a winding path semi-open to the cove on your left, complete with a kelp forest below. The path ends at a wooden bench to overlook the pacific ocean and surrounding cliffs. You'll also notice something that is a little out of place, two tall pieces of wood embedded into the edge of the cliff that form a pinnacle.

Rebel

The old hoist station was used to load cargo, lumber, and tanning bark. As you can see in the photo, Cody isn't paying attention to the beware sign, but that's not half as bad as the locals that were hanging out around the corner - very bad influences, indeed.

Non-Compliance

After backtracking, and strolling back through the tunnel, you take a fork in the trail down to a scenic rocky beach. As dorky as it sounds, I was so amazed to see the the river racing to reach the ocean. Never in my life have I seen a river meet the ocean, it was a wondrous sight - for me at least.

Where the River Flows
Where the River Flows

All in all it was a pretty steep little trail, especially on the way out. But at just one mile, it was well worth the effort. Amazing at it sounds, this was just one hike of three that we did on the first day. I couldn't bear just posting a couple photos of each hike done on that Sunday, so I just decided to do them all separately. By the time I'm done telling you all about the trip, you might just be sick of it all?!?! haha In the end, it is really going to help me get the material together so that I can make a photobook as a vacation keepsake. There is still so much more to share! Stay Tuned......

If you're interested, there are a few more photos from this hike - HERE

13 comments:

  1. wonderful more more and more.what an eye.

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  2. Great photo's. California has the best forests around I think. I love the beach shots too.

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  3. I too, have never seen a river meet the ocean. That would be a wonderful experience.
    Add me to the dork list...

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  4. WHERE THE RIVER FLOWS is such a perfect photo. Perfectly balanced in color and shapes and texture. Thanks for sharing!

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  5. I doubt anyone could get sick and tired of such amazing photos and vacation recount... as long as you remember to include some pancake photos. Or any other food photos.

    I'm hungry :-D

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  6. Did you encounter any animals on your hikes?

    Like Cody, I also disregarded a "beware of" sign while at the Cliffs of Moher. Sometimes, your curiosity gets the best of you (or, as kids often say to their mom, "everyone else was doing it").

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  7. To wayfaring wanderer . . . another coincidence that is sending chills up my back. This morning I printed out your river picture so that I could watercolor it. I was waiting until my blogging daughter gets home (3 hour time change) to call her and ask if it is protocall to ask you if you would mind if I painted it. I wouldn't feel right without your permission. Not for commercial use of course, just for fun. Sooo - do you mind if I do? Also, I just signed up another series of outdoor watercolor workshops in Colorado - so take that class!! (I'll blog you with this query as well)

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  8. Thank you so much for posting all your photos from your trip. The scenery is absolutely beautiful and it is magical to see a river meet an ocean isn't it
    Kimx

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  9. I'm glued to my laptop in anticipation of your next posting... Not only are your photographs breathtaking, but your written account of the hike was wonderful too. I truly agree with your feelings experienced when walking through the tunnel. Very often when I am walking down an ancient path, I wonder who may have travelled there before.

    I could never ever get bored with looking through your photos and reading your words... Thank you for sharing your experiences with us :)

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  10. Just beautiful! I did kind of notice the total disregard of the DANGER sign.

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  11. POD: Thanks, there's plenty more where that came from!

    greg: I was completely enamored by those redwood trees, they are so mighty! Thank you :)

    biker: You were already on it! haha It was really neat....

    jen: Your welcome, and thank you for the beautiful compliment :)

    TD: I've got some food photos to share, don't worry. Not of the pannie-cakes though :(

    Meridith: Well, the only animals we saw were birds, seal lions, & elephant seals. We're rebels :)

    RR: It was a pretty magical sight! I still have many more photos to share, check back.

    Getty: Glued to your laptop in anticipation eh? That made me blush a little bit :o) I'm glad there are people like you all who appreciate hearing about my experiences - it's a wonderful feeling to have blog buddies like you!

    1218: Thanks, I wouldn't have done my job if you didn't notice that, haha

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  12. I'm new to verve earth, and i love your photography. that used to be a hobby of mine too, but i don't know how to post photos on my blog site yet. www.elanasong.blogspot.com

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