Links and Resources

For further research into the Big Sur coastline, consult the following valuable websites and books.

www.bigsurcalifornia.org The Big Sur Chamber of Commerce maintains this excellent reference.

www.pelicannetwork.net Environmentally oriented site has good photos, hiking information, history.

www.ventanaws.org Ventana Wilderness society. Very worthwhile site with information about the condor releases and other conservation programs.

www.bigsurlandtrust.org Incredible photos of the Big Sur area ranches now held in conservation trust by this hardworking organization.

www.pointsur.org Information about tours and the history of the Point Sur lightstation.

www.montereyinfo.org Monterey County home page.

www.tmmc.org The Marine Mammal Center runs this excellent site, with information about their efforts to preserve marine mammals. Their programs include rescue, research, education and conservation.

www.mbnms.nos.noaa.gov Website for the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. This protected zone runs from Marin to Cambria, a distance of 276 miles, and is vital to the survival of ocean ecosystems.

www.elephantseal.org A group dedicated to the understanding and protection of the elephant seal, the Friends of the Elephant Seal has blue-jacketed docents on hand at the viewing area at Piedras Blancas to answer questions.

www.seaotters.org The Friends of the Sea Otter maintain this site dedicated to the endangered marine mammal. Once numbered in the millions, hunting nearly wiped them out. A small population of 2,220 individuals is still under pressure from pollution and habitat loss.

www.parks.ca.gov State Parks and campground information. www.parksman.com U.S. Forest Service campground resource.

www.bsim.org Schedules and results of the Big Sur International Marathon.

www.bigsurjazz.org The Big Sur Jazz Festival website lists acts scheduled for this year's event.

www.BigSurRiverRun.org Event details for the Big Sur River Run.

www.nepenthebigsur.com Fun site with pictures of the building of the landmark restaurant. Also the actual true story of how Orson Welles and Rita Hayworth once owned the property during their extremely brief marriage. Bookmark this site--the webcam on the terrace will let you know if it's a foggy or a sunny day in Big Sur.

www.henrymiller.org Good site with events schedule for the Henry Miller Library--lots of quotes from the author and Big Sur resident.

www.bigsurarts.org The Big Sur Arts Initiative. Ticket info for the Garden Tour and other events.

www.postranchinn.com Tempting photos and cool effects on the Post Ranch Inn and Spa website.

www.deetjens.com Home site of the historic Deetjen's Big Sur Inn.

www.ventanainn.com Extensive offering from the Ventana Inn resort.

www.esalen.com Request a catalog of seminars at the Esalen website, view the newly restored baths.

www.contemplation.com Reserve a retreat with the monks at the New Camaldoli Hermitage home page.

www.heartbeatbigsur.com Nice gallery and gift shop website with local photography and giclees.

www.coastgalleries.com Internet home of the Coast Galleries, with stores in Big Sur and Carmel.

www.hawthornegallery.com Intriguing sculptures whet your appetite for the art on display at the Hawthorne Gallery.

www.raggedpointinn.net Beautiful photos highlight this website for the Ragged Point Inn.

www.rocky-point.com Good slide show of scenic views from the Rocky Point restaurant.

www.bigsurgordasprings.com
Get room rates and details at this website for the Gorda Springs resort.

www.cambria-realestate.com
Real estate brokers Manya Brett and Dennis Pazzato provide photos, listings and a tour of Cambria. Preview Big Sur properties for sale at this entertaining site.

BOOKS OF INTEREST

A Wild Coast and Lonely--Big Sur Pioneers by Rosalinde Sharpe Wall, Wide World/Tetra Publishing. Invaluable resource of the history of the region, written by one who grew up there before the highway went through. Entertaining, instructive.

Hiking the Big Sur Country--The Ventana Wilderness by Jeffrey P. Schaffer, Wilderness Press. Excellent detailed trail guide and natural history reference. A must for backpackers and day hikers alike.

Monterey County, The Dramatic Story of its Past by Augusta Fink, Western Tanager Press. Good early history covering the Mexican, Spanish and early American settler period.

Native Americans of the Pacific Coast by Vinson Brown, Naturegraph Publishers. Slightly dated, but good general guide for those curious about the first inhabitants.

Where the Highway Ends, A History of Cambria, San Simeon and the Ranchos by Geneva Hamilton, Central Coast Press. Specifically about areas south of the Big Sur, but gives a valuable look at early conditions along the coast.

Big Sur by Jack Kerouoac. The Beat writer spent time in the Sur, trying to dry out and nearly going mad. A good book to read on those rainy days in the tent.

Big Sur and the Oranges of Heironymous Bosch by Henry Miller, New Directions Press. An intimate look at the philosophical author's time in Big Sur. His great love for the area is evident on every absorbing page.

Many more--consult your library's card catalog or database!