Plan B

Sunday was a clear, warm, spring day, and I could hear Point Lobos calling. I photographed there last August on a club shoot-out, and thought it would be even prettier in the spring. I left early to beat the crowds that would surely show up on such a fine day. Boy was I in for a surprise. Just two miles north of the park entrance Highway 1 was closed for the Big Sur Marathon.

I wasn't going to waste a beautiful day at the coast, so I immediately created Plan B and headed for Pacific Grove. I have been visiting Pacific Grove every spring for the past 4 years, but usually in the afternoon. This is the first time I had been there in the morning, which made for better light when photographing the rocks and surf off Asilomar.

There is a stretch of coastline just north of Lover's Point that is covered in blooming ice plant. This is why I return every spring. I can't get enough of the incredible color combinations.

One last look as I drive away. I was a little early in the season on this trip. The full bloom won't happen for another week or so. I guess I'll have go back... again.

On the drive home, I spied these flowers along a highway in Salinas.
I had to stop.

I didn't make it to my original destination,
but Plan B turned out to be a successful alternative.