Labor Day traditionally marks the end of summer. Years ago, it also marked the beginning of the slowing of the tourist traffic. Not any more. Tourists flock all year, unless the road closes due to fire, flood, or rocks and mud. Even then, they come.

It is also prime fire season, and the conditions are critical. Labor Day is often a time for backyard BBQs, I’ve been invited to one, but I will probably pass, due to traffic. Make sure you don’t bring your BBQ into our backyard. Big Sur just can’t handle another big fire again so soon after the Basin Complex. Keep your BBQ in town. Even our campgrounds, at least those in the national forest, and maybe all of them, do not allow campfires, or even stoves right now.

Have a wonderful long weekend, enjoy the beauty of our coast, but treat it as the fragile entity it is right now – with caution, awe, and respect. Have a good one. Maybe some photos over the long weekend.