Thanksgiving greetings from Big Sur

Waves crash on the cliffs of Big Sur.
Photo Credit: Lauren J. Mapp

Deciding whose family to spend the holidays with can be a a difficult process, but a much easier one was deciding to spend Thanksgiving in the woods. This year, we drove up Highway 1 to enjoy the Thanksgiving holiday while camping in Big Sur.

The pristine waters along California's Central Coast are beautifully juxtaposed against the backdrop of towering redwood trees on the east side of the the highway.

We spent our days exploring the region, watching fish swim in the Monterey Bay Aquarium and shopping for books in the Henry Miller Memorial Library. At night, we enjoyed the fireplace in the lodge at Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park before retreating to the icy winds in and around our tent.

Even cooking dinner the night of Thanksgiving was stress-free. I grilled brie and pear stuffed pork chops, and we ate under the stars. Camping was definitely a great alternative to the traditional, multi-course meal, complete with hours of cooking. 

Jellyfish at the Monterey Bay Aquarium.
Photo Credit: Lauren J. Mapp

Oysters on the half shell from Sea Harvest in Monterey.
Photo credit: Lauren J. Mapp

Clamstrips from Sea Harvest in Monterey.
Photo Credit: Lauren J. Mapp

Peter and I taking a selfie in Big Sur.
Lauren J. Mapp

Elephant seals lounging on the beach in San Simeon.
Photo credit: Lauren J. Mapp