The East Molera Trail begins with a moderate climb through live oak woodlands… Read the rest of this entry »
East Molera & Post Summit
March 13, 2011
2 Comments | 
Big Sur, Insects, On Foot, Plants, Santa Lucias, Wildflowers | Tagged: Andrew Molera State Park, Big Sur, Big Sur wildflowers, Pico Blanco, Post Summit | 
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Posted by xasauan
Big Sur Fastest Growing Rural Area in Monterey County
March 10, 2011
As reported in this morning’s Herald, recently released 2010 Census figures show Big Sur gaining 530 residents and 233 housing units over the past 10 years; making Big Sur the fastest growing rural area in Monterey County.
These numbers ought to help to assuage the fear, expressed by some, that government land acquisitions are reducing Big Sur’s population and housing stock, and threatening its survival as a community.
4 Comments | Big Sur, Coastal Development/Erosion, Santa Lucias | Permalink
Posted by xasauan
Eleven Years at Alta Vista: Jeff Norman’s Journals
February 25, 2011
On January 1, 1980, Jeff Norman, then 29, moved into the Overstrom homestead, Alta Vista, in Big Sur. Overlooking the ocean from a 2,700-foot-high perch on Michael Ridge, and accessible only by trail, Alta Vista was an ideal location for observing and experiencing the beauty and power of the natural world. Jeff lived at Alta Vista until his death, at age 56, on October 31 2007. All structures associated with Alta Vista were burned to the ground eight months later in the Basin Complex Fire. Read the rest of this entry »
8 Comments | Big Sur, Fire, Flood & Apocalypse, Fungus, History, Insects, Plants, Santa Lucias | Permalink
Posted by xasauan
Chanterelle Mania: Starting the New Year Right
January 1, 2011
Big Sur Gold: New Year’s Day in the Throne Room of the Chanterelle Gods.
A very happy New Year to everyone, from all of us at Xasáuan Today. We wish you could all join us in feasting on these chanterelles tonight – although we imagine many of you have all the chanterelles you can handle as well.
If the first day has been any indication, the coming year should be a good one!
See you in the woods …
1 Comment | Big Sur, Fungus, Santa Lucias | Tagged: cantharellus cibarius, chanterelles | Permalink
Posted by xasauan
Rainy Day Foray
December 4, 2010
There’s nothing quite like the sight of chanterelles (Cantharellus californicus) pushing up through wet leaves. Read the rest of this entry »
1 Comment | Big Sur, Fungus, Santa Lucias | Permalink
Posted by xasauan
On the Little Sur
November 14, 2010
The North Fork of the Little Sur River, El Río Chiquito del Sur, passes between the lower slopes of Pico Blanco and Bixby Mountain on its way to the sea. Read the rest of this entry »
5 Comments | Big Sur, Insects, On Foot, Plants, Santa Lucias | Permalink
Posted by xasauan
Exploring Mansfield Ravine
November 11, 2010
80 acres of Mansfield Ravine, containing some of the most extensive redwood forest at the extreme southern end of the redwood range, were recently purchased by the Save the Redwoods League and added to the Los Padres National Forest. Today we went to have a look. Read the rest of this entry »
3 Comments | Big Sur, On Foot, Santa Lucias | Permalink
Posted by xasauan
September on Mt. Manuel
September 19, 2010
A walk up the Mt. Manuel Trail (or Manuel Peak Trail, if you prefer) can be brutal on a hot summer day. That’s why we waited for a mild autumn day to make the trip. Notice how the deerweed (Lotus scoparius) that turned these hillsides yellow when it was in bloom a few months ago has now turned the hills a rusty brown as the flowers dry out. Read the rest of this entry »
3 Comments | Big Sur, Insects, On Foot, Plants, Santa Lucias, Wildflowers | Permalink
Posted by xasauan
From the Vault: Zandy’s Bride at Molera
September 3, 2010A good deal of the 1974 film Zandy’s Bride – based on the book The Stranger in Big Sur, by Lillian Bos Ross, and starring Gene Hackman and Liv Ullman – was filmed at Molera State Park, on a set constructed on the coastal terrace near the mouth of the Big Sur River.
Here are some photos we came across while cleaning out a closet yesterday … Read the rest of this entry »
10 Comments | Big Sur, Coastal Development/Erosion, History, Santa Lucias | Tagged: Big Sur | Permalink
Posted by xasauan
Fire on Old Coast Road
August 3, 2010A small fire is burning in the Little Sur watershed this afternoon. Reports place it along the east side of Serra Grade on the Old Coast Rd. Serra Grade is the steep climb to the north from the Little Sur River. The fire is supposed to be backing down toward the river and may have burned about 20 acres so far. It may also have affected some power poles, as power is out in places and phone service is currently spotty along the northern Big Sur coast. Read the rest of this entry »
1 Comment | Big Sur, Fire, Flood & Apocalypse, Santa Lucias | Tagged: Green Fire | Permalink
Posted by xasauan
Xasáuan Today 