THE BIG SUR AND THE EAGLES
We were soon on our way on the Pacific Coast Highway-Route One. There is only one album to play on this road and play it we did, on a loop, as we sang along. The Eagles greatest hits include Hotel California which we would pass on our spectacular journey. Tequila Sunrise, Take it easy, Lying eyes and Desperado……
The Big Sur is one of the most dramatic coastal rides anywhere in the world. We were heading from San Francisco to Santa Barbara to see our friends Susie and Ross. Along the section of California’s coastline between Hearst Castle and Carmel, North America plunges outwards towards the Pacific Ocean, This tenacious piece of highway clinging to the cliffs is soaring and dramatic.
The blue of the restless Pacific waves match the never ending azure sky. As far as the eye could see white horse waves crashed against the rocks. This breath taking scenery along this redwood lined stretch of road is so beguiling that you have great fortune if you are the passenger. I pity the driver who has to keep his eyes on the road when all you want to do is staring at nature’s bounty.
I love this part of the world and the delicious expectancy of never ending good weather .My friend Amy was planning her wedding on the Californian coast and conveyed all her plans to me over the phone. Everything from the wedding to the reception was outdoors and to my London ears, listening under a grey sky, this sounded very dangerous. “What happens if it rains?” I suggested. Her peal of laughter made me feel a little silly “Don’t worry, the weather will be absolutely fine” she assured me.
She was absolutely right as the weather was gorgeous and a wonderful time was had by the assembled company. When I took a little breather from the festivities, a question kept pecking away at my relaxed and slightly wine befuddled brain. “Why are these people here all so beautiful and seemingly completely relaxed?”
Then it occurred to me that there is something very freeing about good weather. People walk with their shoulders back and their limbs move lightly through the air freely as though the spectre of creaking bones had never existed .In Great Britain may leave your house in London or Manchester looking gorgeous but freezing wind blowing sideways can soon turn you into a figure from an L.S. Lowry painting in moments….