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Carmel-by-the-Sea
"Sauntering by piney trails." Mary Austin
Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park
Wildlife
in San Simeon Once
thought extinct, Elephant Seals have made a
resounding comeback. Go to the scene of some real
wildlife excitement. Hearst would have loved it,
right there in his front yard!
Natural Bridges Butterfly Sanctuary
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Carmel is good, and it is not good for hiking. Outside of the central town shopping district, there are no sidewalks. The streets are only pavedto the point necessary for vehicles, and the gulliesand ditches along the sides are in a para natural state. The reason is not just aesthetics, as it helps rain water seep into the aquifers. After all, Carmel is a forest, and the trees need water. Ecologically, it's better for the ground water to hold its own so subsidence doesn't weaken the forest floor. Besides, pipe drained water carries manufactured substances that harm the bay's natural composition. |
However, walking around theshopping area is a lot of fun. |
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A trail on the south side of the river lagoon leads up a bluff once visited by the Portola Spanish expedition in 1769. |
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Sand of the Carmel beaches is composed of sparkling light and clear particles of granite and limestone. It is unbelievably delightful to the eye, wondrous to the touch. This is the product of complex geology and meshing of very disparate rocks from wildly different times and places. The waters here are mesmerizing turquoise and inviting. |
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The same rocks that gave the sand, cleanse the waters to give them this dreamlike effect. The water here, however, is treacherous for swimming. Because of the deep offshore canyons, strong currents and upwells from the deep causeerratic tides and strong undertows are customary. |
