As many of you know, the Big Sur area out here has been hit very hard this year with two large forest fires.  So far, well over 100,000 acres have been burned in the Ventana Wilderness.  Recently, they reponed Highway 1 and today I had a chance to drive down with a co-worker.  Although the sky was overcast due to the marine layer and the smoke, it was still breath-taking..  Here are a few of the pictures:


It is important to remember that not everything in Big Sur was impacted by the fire.  For example, the famous bridge built in 1932 is still there as incredible as ever.



There are numerous spots along Highway 1 with perfect photo opportunities.  In this area, the water close to the beach has an awua blue color that is stunning.



For the most part, the fire was unable to jump Highway 1.  That means almost all areas down by the water were not impacted by the fire.




Here at the Big Sur Station, virutally all of the land behind the grounds were burned.  Instead of green hill sides, everything was a dull slate color, making it look like an alien landscape jutting to the sky.




The contrast between the living and the dead is jarring. It is amazing to think that by next year, life will start to return to the mountains.




There were many signs around the area showing support for the firefighters.