Page 147 - WINE DINE AND TRAVEL MAGAZINE SUMMER 2021 DISCOVERING MENDOCINO

“There’s a spirit that exists to Big Sur,” he contin- Rocky coves hide along the shore, where improba-
ued. “People who come here develop a relation- bly turquoise waters lap over offshore rocks,
ship with that spirit. It’s the greatest meeting of where windswept Monterey cypress trees twist in
land and sea in the world, the way the mountains the wind. These celebrated cypress trees grow
dip into the ocean. You stand at the edge of the naturally in the world only at Point Lobos and at
Earth. It does something to people.” Cypress Point north of Carmel Bay.
About 22 miles north of Big Sur lies Point Lobos California’s landscapes deserve all the accolades.
State Natural Reserve (https://www.parks.ca.gov/ Its trails will share its beauties with anyone who
?page_id=571), long considered the “crown jewel” ventures on them. Look up to watch a red-tailed
of California’s 280 state parks. hawk soar. Look down to study the tiniest wildflow-
Frederick Law Olmsted, renowned land- ers. Keep on the lookout for butterflies that will as-
scape architect best known for New York’s tound you for their variety of pattern and color.
Central Park, once described Point Lobos as “When you immerse yourself in the forest with
“the most outstanding example on the coast 700-year-old California coastal redwoods that are
of California of picturesque rock and surf magical, you find yourself,” Copeland once said to
scenery in combination with unique vegeta- me. “Hiking here can make you happy if you’re sad,
tion, including Monterey Cypress.” make you find a path.”
I couldn’t agree more. Find your own path in the redwood forests, in the
I hiked the South Short Trail and the Cypress palm oases of the desert, in the live oak canyons of
Grove Trail here and both were stunningly scenic. the foothills, along the Pacific Ocean’s coves and
you will find your way to California dreaming.

Palm Canyon in Palm Springs is a natural
oasis of thousands of palm trees. At right,
Point Lobos is considered the jewel in
California’s state parks.

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