Our hike through Garrapata State Park

So, I haven't posted in a while, but I'm still getting used to this whole blogging thing and what I would like to share, not to mention, I've been busy with my final semester at CSUMB. But last wednesday, Nick and I had some spare time, and decided to spend it hiking the hills of Garrapata State Park. Now, I'm not really one to "seek extreme adventure", and call me a weenie if you wish, but that hike was everything BUT easy. It started off beautiful...green plants surrounding a small rushing creek, winding through tall redwoods, which provided shade and a great calming scent. Sounds fun right?! Well, after about 2 miles of 72 degree beauty, we reached the "ascent". Let's put it this way...I would take 10 steps or so, and need to stop for a break. I am not in great shape, but definitely not in bad shape, so this just goes to show how steep this hike really became. I was well warned of the steepness, so, as I expected, it was a little tough.

Then, we came over the summit, and boy, was it worth climbing for...(see below).
In exchange for the redwoods and the creek, we got a beautiful ocean view on one side, and a gorgeous mountain terrain on the other.On the way down, we faced the ocean, which after a 4 mile hike, was pretty rewarding if you ask me! All in all, it was a great day. Tough hike, but well worth it in the end. I loved loved loved the redwoods and the creek in the beginning, and the ocean view was, well....stunning. I can't wait to go back, and I must say, us west-coast natives sure do take advantage of the ocean being in our backyard!! This hike through Big Sur is less than 30 minutes from home. Amazing.