98 C A R M E L M A G A Z I N E • S P R I N G / S U M M E R 2 0 1 4
out to live in such circumstances. "Big Sur is an
amazing place," says Erin Gafill, "but it's also
unforgiving. Many people buy property here,
thinking it's idyllic and peaceful. Then a storm
hits, the road washes out and a fire starts. Some
ride it out, some sell the next day."
Yet, still they come. All manner of people,
from well-heeled business tycoons tooling
down in European sports cars to scruffy hitch-
hiking transients make the trek to this magical
place. Big Sur's siren song speaks to and beckons
a wide spectrum of people. It truly is a gem in
the crown of California.
Perhaps Henry Miller said it best: "Big Sur is
the California that men dreamed of years ago,
this is the Pacific that Balboa looked at from the
Peak of Darien, this is the face of the earth as
the Creator intended it to look."
At the NE corner of San Antonio and Eighth St.
◆
855.894.2424
CarmelCottageInn.com
Home Port Cottage
Sky Way
◆
Moon Gate
◆
Home Port
◆
Tradewinds
◆
Log Haven
Five Historic Cottages
One Block from the Beach... Simply Charming.
All things beautiful have a dark side; Big Sur is no exception. Wildfires rage on a regular
basis, but the strong community spirit helps residents manage disasters.
AT THE
C A R M E L - B Y- T H E - S E A
Try cocktails and dinner
alfresco in our beautiful
courtyard, lunch in our
lounge, or afternoon tea in
our cozy living room.
Lincoln & 7th Street
Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA 93921
(831) 624-3871
Open Daily from
12 Noon
Daily Happy Hour Specials
4:30-6PM
Live Music on Weekends
Pet Friendly
Divine Drinks Divine Drinks
Fantastic Food Fantastic Food
Old World Charm Old World Charm
Photo:
Frans
Lanting/Corbis
090-098 Big Sur_152-161 Garcia story 4/27/14 2:29 PM Page 8
