Louisa, the dogs and I went camping at Big Sur for four days in November. It was a magical trip. The weather was perfect, the ocean crystal clear and amazing shades of blue. We went hiking one day where the ocean was below us and hills spreading out forever. We were told that we should be able to see the Sierras, but weren't sure that those hills way off in the distance were really them. Views were spectacular in every direction. The fire damage from two summers ago was extensive. There were sobering gullys where you could imagine the fire barreling through torching everything in sight, the heat must have been so intense. It is amazing how nature can heal itself, we saw many burned tree trunks sprouting new branches and little trees, vibrant green leaves in the midst of burned out shrubs and even in November wildflowers everywhere. The contrast of burnt desolation and lush new growth is beautiful and inspiring. Both Shara and Amy got to run free on this hike which brought smiles all around. We were a little concerned about all of the poison oak they ran through and they were banished from sleeping in the bed. Neither Louisa and I got any though. This is a milestone for me. When I was in my 20's if I just looked at poison oak from a far distance I would break out with it all over me. We all were sad when the trip was over and will hold the memories of many perfect views for years to come.