Travel

big sur, round two

misty waves

Image 27 of 43

This past weekend, Adam and I took a trip to one of our favorite places ever—Big Sur. We had been once before (remember this video?!), and despite the fact that we were there in the middle of one of the worst storms of the season, I fell in love. Did I mention that was my first time tent camping? Let’s just say this time we brought an air mattress. And a hair dryer! And lots of wine and snacks. Adam tells me it’s not “real” camping since where we were there was a five-star restaurant on site, a bathroom with hot showers and full ocean views but whatever. I camp how I want!

We ended up extending our stay by a day to hike through coastal redwoods and eat lunch at Nepenthe, one of my bucket list restaurants. Through a simple lunch of mushroom soup and turkey sandwiches, I experienced Big Sur like never before. This time around, the weather was perfect and we couldn’t have asked for a better getaway. For all of those wondering, we stayed at Treebones the first two nights (tent camped rather than yurts) and stayed at a small cabin at Ripplewood the third night. I highly recommend both spots!

I’m happy to share our photos with you guys (click on the thumbnails for larger versions). Look out for Malcom the elephant seal pup—he was a sneaky one!

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  • Josie
    October 17, 2011 at 4:33 am

    Love your camping photos! Yesterday m’beau and I went hiking at one of our local national state parks in the morning, and there were many people stationed at the camp sites, families and all. They were bbq’ing and having so much fun! I can’t remember when was the last time I camped, but I SERIOUSLY love camping! I need to get somehow with friends who know how to set up tents or have gone camping before. Maybe you can do a post about how-to’s for beginner campers? 🙂 Just a thought!

    • jenna
      October 17, 2011 at 6:59 pm

      good idea!

  • Averie @ Love Veggies and Yoga
    October 17, 2011 at 4:44 am

    Jenna it looks amazing! Your photos are just lovely and showcase how truly beautiful and magical it is up there. Wow!

    Glad you got to eat at one of your bucket list restaurants. One of mine in your area is The French Laundry. Maybe someday 🙂

    Thanks for sharing all your pics!

  • Molly @ RDexposed
    October 17, 2011 at 4:47 am

    I need a cabin + blow matress should I go camping. Stand your ground! 😉

  • Ashley
    October 17, 2011 at 4:59 am

    Beautiful pictures!

  • Tessa
    October 17, 2011 at 5:06 am

    Did you have the goat cheese and beet appetiser at Nepenthe??!! I had it there last summer and it was soooooooooo good!!!

  • Angela @ Eat Spin Run Repeat
    October 17, 2011 at 5:07 am

    Jenna these photos are great! I almost feel like I was there with you. The seal pups are super cute – I’m impressed that you managed to get that close. Sounds like you had a fantastic time!

  • Heather (Heather's Dish)
    October 17, 2011 at 5:12 am

    what a blessing to live in such a beautiful place! people say that to me all the time since we live in colorado, and it’s true, but there’s just something about the ocean that can’t be beat!

  • Lauren @ What Lauren Likes
    October 17, 2011 at 5:16 am

    Beautiful pics! Glad you had fun 🙂

  • Amanda
    October 17, 2011 at 5:29 am

    What a great weekend! You took some really beautiful pictures. I especially love the ‘starry night’ photos. I recently moved back home (Boston) after a year in SF, and while I’m glad to be back, I do sometimes miss the breathtaking CA views. Nothing like ’em.

  • Tamar
    October 17, 2011 at 5:44 am

    Love Treebones! Glad you had such a good time.

  • Casey @ Pocket Full of Sunshine
    October 17, 2011 at 5:48 am

    That shooting star photo is gorgeous!!

    Looks like a great time. 🙂 Glad you lovebirds had fun!

  • katie @KatieDid
    October 17, 2011 at 5:51 am

    Awesome pictures, I enjoyed looking at all of them so much! I loveee camping but haven’t been in so long. There’s something so simple and rustic about it and it will always remind me of growing up and making a good time out of very little.

  • Hilliary@HappilyEverHealthy
    October 17, 2011 at 5:58 am

    Absolutely beautiful pictures.

  • Kristen @ Popcorn on the Stove
    October 17, 2011 at 6:00 am

    What great pictures! It looks like a fun/relaxing weekend!

  • kathleen @ the daily crumb
    October 17, 2011 at 6:04 am

    such a fun weekend trip!! very jealous of these amazing little getaways you two take 🙂 i love, love, love northern california.

  • LynnB
    October 17, 2011 at 6:13 am

    I love Nepenthe! What a great weekend. On this Monday morning in Boston, I just want to fly across the country right now and go to the west coast. Sigh…

  • amy walters, aDESIGNdock
    October 17, 2011 at 6:15 am

    Oh what a perfect weekend getaway Jenna! These snap shots are amazing. You have such a gift! Thank you so so much for sharing 😉

  • Cat @Breakfast to Bed
    October 17, 2011 at 6:31 am

    The tent pictures should be framed. For real.

  • Mel @ Mel a la Via Paradiso
    October 17, 2011 at 7:06 am

    How beautiful! My local newspaper just ran a story on Big Sur yesterday in the travel section! It’s definitely on my bucket list to visit the place that served as the muse for so many great writers…I think your photos do definitely do this place justice!

    • Mel @ Mel a la Via Paradiso
      October 17, 2011 at 7:08 am

      PS- Love your Keens ( I’m pretty sure!), they are GREAT hiking shoes! I’ve got a similar pair in green.

  • Krystina (Organically Me)
    October 17, 2011 at 7:14 am

    Oh my gosh the seals! So cute!!

  • Ann @ Running With Chopstix
    October 17, 2011 at 7:33 am

    So gorgeous! I’ve yet to go “real” camping but I figured it’s the thought that counts, right? 🙂

  • taylor
    October 17, 2011 at 7:43 am

    i WANT TO GO THERE. great pictures! breathtaking.

  • Danielle
    October 17, 2011 at 7:46 am

    I can’t wait until my own round one Big Sur experience. Looks beautiful! And sounds like the kind of camping I love 😉

  • Sasha
    October 17, 2011 at 7:55 am

    Those are some of my favorite places in CA – such beautiful sites!! I camp in the rockies, so I am not complaining, but waking up to the ocean like that would be great!!
    Great pictures.

  • Kelly
    October 17, 2011 at 8:02 am

    This looks like pure bliss! Plus, your idea of camping? Pretty much perfect! So happy you and Adam had a great time away.

  • Joelle (on a pink typewriter)
    October 17, 2011 at 8:03 am

    Those photos are gorgeous! I want to visit Big Sur!

  • betsy
    October 17, 2011 at 8:07 am

    i love big sur! thanks for letting me relive memories with your wonderful pictures. next time you go, do the hot springs at esalen – one of the most amazing experiences of my life! well worth staying up half the night for. 🙂

  • Sarah@The Flying ONION
    October 17, 2011 at 8:19 am

    Oh gosh, I’m in love with this place and I’ve never even been! Looks absolutely wonderful! 😀

    Gorgeous pictures! How did you get those stars to sparkle so much in the pictures? I love that! 😀

  • Arianna
    October 17, 2011 at 8:41 am

    I love your photos, Big Sur is someplace I’ve dreamed of visiting! I’m living vicariously through you! Haha.

  • Katrina
    October 17, 2011 at 9:09 am

    So fun! Big Sur look awesome.

  • maggie
    October 17, 2011 at 9:13 am

    It’s been my dream to go there forever….now I finally get to see it from a campers perspective! I must go!! What camp site did you stay at?

    Thanks!!

    Maggie

    http://www.mybreakfastblog.com

    http://www.etsy.com/shop/florachild

  • Mich
    October 17, 2011 at 9:15 am

    That’s my kind of camping too- the kind with hot water and 5 star restaurants nearby 😉

  • Ashley @perfectleypeared
    October 17, 2011 at 9:23 am

    Everything looks so amazing!! 🙂 Love your photo stories. I’m actually running the Big Sur Half Marathon in late November so this really gets me excited! 🙂 I’m a little nervous about running all the hills (there are a lot, right?), but I’m excited for some post-race munchies at some of these places hopefully!!

    • Mel @ Mel a la Via Paradiso
      October 17, 2011 at 6:53 pm

      I read in Runners World awhile about the Big Sur marathon! It’s supposed to be absolutely beautiful. I think at mile 18 you get to run past a man playing Chariots of Fire in a tux on the piano! Good luck, and have fun!

  • Annie @ Naturally Sweet Recipes
    October 17, 2011 at 9:40 am

    How fun! It looks beautiful! A place I think I need to go!

  • Tammy @ Palm Trees and Manatees
    October 17, 2011 at 9:48 am

    What a beautiful place. You must love living in California with so many wonderful places to go hiking. One of the best memories of my life is hiking in Kauai with my husband — seems like CA would be another great vacation for us. I’m glad you two had such a wonderful time!

  • Liz @ Southern Charm
    October 17, 2011 at 10:07 am

    So pretty!! Great photos!

  • Shannon @ Blonde Silver Lining
    October 17, 2011 at 10:08 am

    I have been to Big Sur twice in my life thus far and can’t wait to go back. I have even experienced the awesomeness that is Nepenthe (it really is bucket-list-worthy). Love these pictures and thank you so much for reminding me of why I need to get back there ASAP.

  • Mama Pea
    October 17, 2011 at 10:19 am

    I like your kind of camping. I’ll camp with you anytime! (You’ve heard about our great camping up here, right?) 🙂

  • Sabrina @ Radioactive Runner
    October 17, 2011 at 10:23 am

    wow… what a beautiful view!!

  • Chelsea
    October 17, 2011 at 11:25 am

    gorgeous photos, Jenna!

  • Traci B
    October 17, 2011 at 11:32 am

    If you slept in a tent you camped! At least I think so!!!

  • Lea @ Healthy Coconut
    October 17, 2011 at 12:20 pm

    We went to Nepenthe restaurant recently and loved their carrot soup and of course sipped on it very slowly so I can enjoy the sunset view.

  • Judith
    October 17, 2011 at 1:09 pm

    OMG! I was in Big Sur this weekend! Did you notice all the cars along Highway 1 across from Nepenthe Saturday afternoon? There is an amazing art gallery, Hawthorne, and every year they have this fantastic party, with live music, delicious wine and food, a wonderful crowd of friendly art afficianados. You could have come 🙂
    Anyway, you picked a perfect weekend to go there, weather is always gorgeous this time of year, For you next visit, I highly recommend going into the Post Ranch Inn, for a meal or just a glass of vino. It is a little hard to spot but well worth seeing, the restaurant/bar, Sierra Mar is like a glass box hovering over the steep cliffs.
    Now you have a serious reason to go back!

  • Moni'sMeals
    October 17, 2011 at 2:39 pm

    your photos are tip top! Big Sur is lovely and thanks for sharing, so refreshing. 🙂

  • Tiffany @ texan on the run
    October 17, 2011 at 5:57 pm

    wow, pictures look amazing!!
    how did you snap such incredible pictures of the stars??? i always fail at it miserably.

    what is your fav camping site in norcal?
    i am already planning a spring break trip to cali!! i wanted to combine a short backpacking trip with snowboarding in tahoe 😀

    • jenna
      October 17, 2011 at 6:58 pm

      We were able to capture the stars by using a high ISO (1600), a very low aperture and a really steady hand. We forgot to bring a tripod, which would have been key! Next time…next time.

      My favorite place to camp around here is definitely Big Sur. Next time we want to check out camping in Pfeiffer State Park. Lake Sonoma is also really nice!

  • Rachael
    October 18, 2011 at 3:49 am

    I ate at Nepenthe this summer while doing a road trip up the coast with my brother – best tofu burger I have ever eaten…and you cannot beat the views!

  • brandi
    October 18, 2011 at 6:54 am

    aren’t those traveling hammocks the best? we have a few that we use for hiking. so fun!

  • Sonia (the Mexigarian)
    October 18, 2011 at 3:37 pm

    Big Sur always takes my breath away, though I don’t go there as often as I should. It’s such a great place for centering oneself.

    And I agree with Adam. If you can bring a hair dryer and there’s a full service restaurant, it’s not ‘real’ camping. 😀 Though it does sound like fun. lol.

  • caramelized brussels sprouts — Eat, Live, Run
    October 19, 2011 at 4:11 am

    […] returned from our camping trip on Monday craving water and […]

  • Ingunn
    October 19, 2011 at 10:08 am

    Looks amazing.

    I just spent 8 days crawling through muddy canyons in Utah and sleeping in a dusty tent every night (eating dehydrated soup and Nutella), so your glamping experience sounds pretty good right now. ;^)

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