It doesn’t matter how long I live in Northern California, I feel like I will never be able to visit all the great destinations, even if I narrowed it down to the California Coast. For example, I recently treated myself to a week at the Esalen Institute in Big Sur. It was my first visit, though I’ve passed it dozens of times. I enjoyed the ride down Highway One from San Francisco to Big Sur in the bright, warm sunshine, knowing that it was a rare treat and loving every minute of it. About eight miles south of Big Sur town I turned into the hallowed gates of Esalen, parked the bike, dumped my stuff in my room, and went off to soak in the baths. That evening I started a week-long un-painting workshop, hiked, meditated, did yoga, read poetry on the grassy lawn, and watched whales, pelicans, sea otters, and other sea life from the perfect vantage-point of the famous Esalen baths perched on the cliffside. I didn’t take my computer, telephone, or even write in my journal. A true retreat and a unique "California experience." To find out more about Esalen and their weeklong or weekend workshops and personal treats, visit their website.
May 9, 2008
Motorcycle Destinations on the Northern California Coast
by Carla King in Motorcycling for Everyone | 1 Comments
I remember riding through Big Sur last Thanksgiving. It was an amazing ride! While shopping for some prints to spruce up my white walls I stumbled upon a print of the Bixby Bridge and suddenly I flashed back to the very moment I caught sight of it. Some great memories are stirred up whenever I look at it now.