Point Lobos State Natural Reserve has long been a must-visit destination for all nature lovers in California, and beyond. The reserve is located just south of Carmel-by-the-sea and is accorded the highest level of state protection to preserve an area of unique natural beauty and ecological significance.
Sharing the story of my visit to
Point Lobos State Natural Reserve, and a few more philosophical thoughts.
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| Point Lobos - feel like heaven! |
Sometimes the weirdest thoughts come to mind when you least expect them to. Saumitra mentioned during dinner last night that Britishers weren't as brutal in India as the Spanish were in the Americas. Our race wasn't exactly annihilated and culture wasn't killed as it was done over here. I felt really weird about it, kind of extremely sad about how the original inhabitants were wiped off and the new migrants completely took over. But why am I complaining, is that now how cultures and socialites grow and sustain? Something doesn't quite feel right, even though this happened a few hundred years ago...
Why am I writing this on my travel blog here? Just for the sake of unnecessary controversy? For me these are thoughts triggered by the travels as well as the people I meet. They mean something to me...of course I do not judge anyone based on these, my experiences so far have been pretty amazing. The thought lingers still...
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| The very cute Moss Landings Cafe |
Another thought that bothered me last morning was the constant fight that the man has against nature for his own sustenance, primarily triggered by looking at planes spraying insecticides in the field on the way to
Monterey/ Carmel. The thought lingers on and bother me still...we are fighting against nature to be able to live and on the other hand also fighting hard to maintain it. Something really fascinating about this dichotomy.
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One of the most beautiful spots on the trail...
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| A happy seal :) |
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| I loved these very small flowers, pretty much everywhere on open ground |
Anyway the images here are from one of the most beautiful areas in California -
Point Lobos. Its stunning beyond belief, its the perfect meeting ground for sea, land, mountains, forests...and sky. I can never thank enough Abhinav for the weekend trip.
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| Fascinated by the flora...some unbelievable colors |
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| That's Abhinav risking his life for my shot :) |
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| I really wish I could've gone into the water |
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| The not-so-hidden Hidden Beach (too cold to even consider getting into water) |
the picture with the seal is so cute!
ReplyDeleteLife and travelling
Cooking
I agree, the seal was so damn cute!
DeleteGorgeous shots!
ReplyDeleteAbout the controversy's topic, i would say that sadly it is the only ways civilisations have evolved throughout the centuries, it seemed that it has always been the only way of having "new blood"! It was very brutal, completely agree! We now achieve the same result by marrying into other nationalites and therefore import new ideas into our culture and allow it to evolve, transform and regenerate it all the time.
You are right, I am glad that over the years we have evolved in our exchange of ideas (though in some cases even this could be unacceptable to some)...that was anyway past and we have moved on now...
DeleteWonderful photos with great composition. How close were you to the seal when you took the shot?
ReplyDeleteThanks Laura, I was maybe about 30-40 feet at the time of the shot, but on a cliff overlooking the seals...
DeleteNice shots.
ReplyDeletewww.rajniranjandas.blogspot.com
I never knew about the Spanish influence on the local American people and culture. But, then I don't think you can actually compare the brutalities handed out by different imperialist powers. Bottom line was, they all were working for their own good keeping the interest of indigenous population to a minimum...
ReplyDeleteTo add to that...your gorgeous photos and colors...mashallah...
I agree Kunal, there is no point comparing any two powers, they did all that was necessary to maintain hegemony. And often the new and mixed culture took the civilization ahead...I have no arguments either for or against this. In fact I am all for open exchange of ideas, culture and people...
DeleteBeautiful Pics! And a philosophical post. Well this is life
ReplyDeleteThanks Sudhir, I am glad you enjoyed it!
DeleteNo matter how sad, your friend is right. The British were worst to their immediate neighbours...but God bless us if we have to be thankful for such things. Anyways, amazing pics, the world is still worth living in.
ReplyDeleteI guess you are referring to the Ireland here. You are right, I am by no mean that the Brits were less cruel than the Spanish. They both did what was deemed right at that time...
DeleteAnd yes the world is so worth living in, I also think the past is worth pondering over...the lessons from past shouldn't be forgotten...
Beautiful series of images. I love the seal.
ReplyDeleteThanks, I love the seal as well :)
DeletePoint Lobos looks like a very beautiful yet serene place to visit. I love the picture of the seal. He really enjoyed his time there. :)
ReplyDeleteI am sure he did, they were all of course sunbathing naked :)
DeleteHaha, I thought that was a dead seal at first!! Now when I look at it i can see how happy he is :)
ReplyDeleteHaha...some more people actually asked me if the seal was dead, as you mention it was actually really happy and content :)
DeleteThanks Hellag!
ReplyDeletenice beach and the things surrounding the waters looks so colorful :)
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely, it was absolutely beautiful...
Deletewonderful images....it seems really to be a lovely plc...and there are not much crowds!!!!
ReplyDeleteyeah..i guess we are fighting and conserving nature.....but for how long will this dichotomy work in our favor???
http://sushmita-smile.blogspot.in/
True, even on such a beautiful sunny California Saturday the no of people was dramatically low!
DeleteAs for the fight for/ against nature, I guess its really important to be aware of it all the time. Some decisions may be affected...some things might still continue as they are.
Glorious!! Those flowers in the macro shot look like a variety of what we call "hens and chicks" over here. I've never seen such a happy seal... and I love the landscapes.
ReplyDeleteHa! That's quite an interesting name for the flower :) And the seal surely looked happy, and content in the sun!
DeleteA series of delightful pictures!
ReplyDeleteThanks a lot Otto!
DeleteThe photo of the seal is so cute, it made me smile.
ReplyDeleteAgreed, the seal is adorable :)
DeleteThanks!
ReplyDeleteThe sea has always called my name and this place is mesmerizing... I have been here many times and find it to be peaceful and calming with the pounding of the surf and many secluded scenes as you have shown through your beautiful photos.
ReplyDeleteBises,
Genie
I agree Genie, the place is full of beautiful secluded spots...its easy to find solitude and peace there...would love to visit again, if time permits...
DeleteBeautiful pictures. Makes all the sense to put those thoughts on a travel blog. Why not? Traveling is an experience enclosing several experiences. I've been thinking of taking a year off just to travel and not have a 'daily life'.
ReplyDelete:-) Keep writing and clicking!
Thanks Komal, its good to hear you here :) Btw I think you should certainly take a gap year and go off for a world tour, it would be best decision of your life!
DeleteAs I see you told a great joke to seal because it was quite happy :D
ReplyDeleteThis coast is quite wild and really beautiful..nice pictures.
Greetings, Miklos
Thanks Miklos, I like the idea of joke...met some the last weekend also, though they didn't at all smile at me (too busy cuddling) :)
DeleteBeautiful Photos.. The sea and the rocks form quite a combination!!
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely Sid, that's quite a combination!
DeleteYou did a great job in taking those photos. The photos are very compelling as well. I would love to do a trekking activity here. It seems like a perfect place to experience a new adventure. With this kind of environment, I think I should carry with me my cold steel knife to ensure survival.
ReplyDelete