Part IV: The Central Coast in Visual Studio .NET

Encode Data Matrix in Visual Studio .NET Part IV: The Central Coast

scenic alternative for about 8 miles by turning left before crossing the Bixby Bridge, but if you just backtrack about a mile north from this entrance, you get a spectacular view of the Big Sur Valley, Point Sur Lighthouse, and the Pacific beyond Don t try the road in wet weather, though; you ll get stuck Another 5 miles or so down the road (26 miles south of Carmel) is Big Sur Station (% 831-667-2315), a terrific source for maps, ranger advice, and other Big Sur information Big Sur Station is just past the entrance to Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park, 800 acres of wildlife-rich parkland with excellent hiking opportunities for all levels of ability; maps are at the park entrance One excellent moderate walk is the 40- to 60-minute route to 60foot-high Pfeiffer Falls; the walk takes you through one of Big Sur s most impressive redwood groves If you re feeling energetic, add another hour to follow the trail to the Valley View Overlook (a halfmile from the falls) for panoramic views About a mile south of the Pfeiffer Big Sur park entrance is Sycamore Canyon Road, which leads to beautiful Pfeiffer Beach An archshaped rock formation offshore offers a distinctive view Sycamore Canyon Road is an unmarked route that is the only paved, ungated road west of Highway 1 between the Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park and the Big Sur Post Office (you should see a Narrow Road sign as an additional clue) Take the sharp turn toward the coast and slowly follow the road for about 2 winding miles to a parking lot; parking is $5 A short path leads to the beach Skip this trip if you re pulling a trailer or driving a motor home Although the sunsets are spectacular, locals advise that you come to Pfeiffer Beach in the morning hours to avoid windblown sand (the winds can kick up in the later hours) The Henry Miller Memorial Library (% 831-667-2574; wwwhenry millerorg) is on the mountain side of Highway 1, a quarter-mile south of Nepenthe It is dedicated to the life and work of Miller, who lived in Big Sur from 1944 to 1962 and wrote such classics as Tropic of Cancer First editions of his writings, as well as some of his artwork, are on display The library makes a pleasant place for a short stop, especially for Miller fans Admission is free Open Wednesday through Monday from 11 am to 6 pm Twelve miles south of Pfeiffer Big Sur is Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, a gem of a park and our absolute favorite spot for glorious ocean views Everyone can follow the Overlook Waterfall Trail it s even wheelchair-accessible The flat and easy 3-mile (each way) trail

leads to a cliff top with views of McWay Falls plunging into a gorgeous cove where seals and sea otters play in the white-crested blue-green water Cypress trees stepping down the rocky coast in the background create an only-in-Big-Sur mystique In winter, park yourself on one of the benches to look for migrating whales The view is particularly magnificent at sunset Above the parking lot is a small picnic area and trailheads to two more of the park s hiking trails The 3-mile Canyon Trail is steeper and ungraded but still not difficult, and the payoff is a lovely forest waterfall and a bench from which to contemplate it (and rest your weary toes) The day-use fee is $6 per car; ask the park attendant to sell you a trail map for an additional buck The big attractions end after Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, but the drive is still stunning, and scenic turnoffs abound About 59 miles south of Carmel, just south of the US Forest Service Station in Pacific Valley, is Sand Dollar Beach, which features a pleasant picnic area Take the stairs to reach the beach, which may be devoid of sand if you visit in winter (it usually washes back in summer) Farther south just north of San Simeon, where the landscape opens up to rolling, golden hills you ll see elephant seals sunning themselves on rocks and maybe a few colorful windsurfers dancing on the waves beyond That s when you know you ve almost reached the outrageous, infamous, legendary Hearst Castle, which is just around the bend We discuss the Hearst Castle in 20