Yes, I know, it is only Tuesday. Yes, I know, we have a 3-day weekend coming up, but based on what I witnessed today, it looks as if the weekend began a bit early.
As of this evening, around 7 pm, Kirk Creek Campground is full. Plaskett was almost full, and I suspect it will be by tomorrow. Frankly, I did not notice the Big Sur State Park. I did not even think to look, it being so early in the week. The other thing I noticed both yesterday and today, is that the gates to Limekiln State Park were open. it will “officially” open on Friday, July 2nd, but I imagine it will be full by then. No camping on the beach, as the bridge is still out, but the campground and redwood trails are open.
Also, the idiots are on the highway. Sorry, but there is no other word for them. The shoulder/pull-out at Rocky Creek was full, so, this car, an obvious idiot, just stopped on the highway. Never mind that there were four cars behind it speeding along at 55 mph. Sudden stops in the middle of the road are just plain idiotic. No one would even THINK of doing that on the freeways, but here? Oh, I know, the view is breath taking. But think about taking that next breath through a tube, or with a respirator, or other medical contraption to keep you alive. Just think. Please. The life you save might be MINE!
I have it on good authority that local patrols in the LPNF, at least here on the South Coast, will be stepped up in anticipation of this crazy weekend. I cannot tell you how grateful I am. I, too, will be out and about, probably several times. With my camera. Do something stupid, and you, too, could end up on my blog – memorialized for an eternity in cyberspace.
Oh, and the other great news? The two fire “rings” I featured in my “How NOT to build a campfire” article, are gone! I love you guys, as much as my dogs! Okay, let’s be real. Almost as much!
But what is a post without a photo? Trouble is, I was too busy trying to get home before dark to unload a fully packed Jeep, while at the same time, trying not to run over any idiots. But my friend Martha Diehl sent me a lovely summer roadside bouquet to brighten my day, and I’m going to pass it on, even though she doesn’t know! (She can flog me later.) Photo coming, when internet allows.
you tell em Kate!
Yes, we “get” to live in a beautiful location, but being overrun by tourists sucks. I take off work during the week because it is impossible to get around on weekends and holidays due to lame-os and cyclists feeling entitled to own the road. It’s necessary to stock up by Thursday and bunker at home to remain sane and to not show up in the papers as the crazy lady trying to induce law and order.
Good Luck to all my Big Sur friends…no fires, no “lost” hikers, no cars over the edge, no tresspassers, no loud music, no ‘dumped’ dogs and cats, etc…..may you have a truly ‘independent’ weekend!! 🙂
It is official. Limekiln re-opened on Saturday. The beach campsites are not open and the bridge to the beach is still gone. They need to weed wack seriously. But with the lack of state money things that need done may be put on hold for a while. It is graet to have it open again!!!
I live up the road in Monterey and my chant since the US Open and for the next 4 months is “TOT” “TOT” “TOT” – hate the tourists, love the tax revenue. Kirk Creek Campground was the featured cover story in this month’s Sunset magazine, no longer a hidden gem!
Kate, thanks for the great website! I’m heading to Big Sur (Kirk Creek) early on Monday to enjoy some post-holiday hiking and relaxing. If anyone happens to be camping in Kirk Creek for the holiday and wants to grandfather me their spot, I’d be forever grateful, PM me. Gracias!
The local news in Morro Bay says Limekiln will reopen on Friday – California State Parks announces it will reopen Limekiln Park at Big Sur this Friday.
Limekiln State Park was closed after a major fire damaged the area back in 2008. The park is open on a first come first serve basis. The campsites and redwood area of the campground are available for tent campers and other recreational vehicles.
The Limekiln trail and Hair trail are open for hiking.
Limekiln State Park is located 56 miles south of Carmel, off of Highway 1.
I love your blog.