Central California In Black and White
Hello again,
I’m sure you’ve heard it before this post and you’ll most certainly hear it again after but the classic California road trip up the Pacific Coast Highway through Big Sur is simply a ‘must do’ for any and all who enjoy expansive views and the beautifully blue Pacific. Personally, I’ve done the trek a handful of times and each time my resulting photographs are filled with colorful memories of the people and places with which I’ve spent my time.
However, I wanted this particular drive up Highway 1 to be captured a little bit different, I wanted more depth. This past year was filled with harsh contrasts, big changes, a lot of uncertainty and a certain aura of moodiness similar to the feelings that black and white photos can communicate. So I stocked up on black and white film, loaded up the car with surfboards and camping gear, and headed north bound with a loose plan.
As I get older I’ve began to realize that sometimes a loose plan can be both a blessing and a curse. You see, I’ve camped, for free, in Big Sur many times without a plan. There are secret nooks and crannies one can find if you know where to look, back roads that lead up mountains, to campsites with views that you can’t put into words, and you best believe I will not be giving away this pertinent information regarding some of Big Sur’s hidden gems. However, due to the state of the world at the time, every campsite, paid for or free was closed along highway 1 in Big Sur, information we did not know until we’d arrived.
This particular scenario was a time when rolling with a loose plan turned out to be a bit more of a curse than a blessing. As we drove Northbound along Highway 1 high above the expansive pacific ocean we saw road closure after road closure. Caution tape and big closed signs were posted on every fire road, dirt road, and campsite. At first we were bummed, then after a quick brainstorm we decided, “eh lets just drive north into Monterey, get a cheap hotel, then figure it out from there…” Unfortunately, this meant that sleeping under the stars, the thrill of finding a free campsite, or making eggs and coffee at sunrise above the clouds were no longer an option. But the silver lining was a new experience was to be had, and that is something I always welcome.
The following night and day was filled with wandering around Santa Cruz, Carmel, and Monterey Bay. The waves were huge and the water frigid, we paddled out at a one peak but both only lasted about twenty minutes without the proper wetsuit thickness or booties. Next we checked out a big wave spot and watched from the cliff with coffees and croissants. After that we ventured to Monterey’s best lunch Cafe. The day was easy and everything felt new. It was a special trip because we simply had no agenda, no real plans, and no idea what the next hour would hold. I’d never spent any real time in Carmel, Monterey, or Santa Cruz up until this trip but those little towns certainly hold some California magic.
After being cooped up inside the whole year it felt good to just be out and about in the world, even though the world was still not at all normal. Originally we were loosely planning to find a secluded camping spot away from all people, post up for a few days, sleep outside, and enjoy the seclusion that Big Sur can offer. Our trip was entirely different than previous trips to Big Sur. Similar to how the year 2020 has been entirely different than all other previous years. If there’s anything I’ve learnt this year it’s that everything will work out one way or another. We just have to keep moving forward and putting good energy out into the world.
I learned more about Big Sur and the surrounding communities more this trip than any trip before. Funny enough, rolling with a loose plan turned out to be more than a blessing than a curse after all, who would’ve thought. These photos were taken over a three day span driving up and down Highway 1. I hope you enjoy them and I hope they encourage you to get out there and do something with a loose plan, because similarly to Carmel, Monterey, and Santa Cruz, there’s magic in spontaneity.
-owen
