I want to go somewhere: this COVID thing is driving me insane. Like Jimmy Buffett (he shot six holes in his freezer) I think I have cabin fever. Four of the past five years my summer vacation has taken me to Washington state and the Puget Sound. This year I’d be happy to go down the coast to one of the places the world comes to enjoy the scenery, bask in the ocean breeze, and take a few amazing photos

One of those amazing photo opportunities, formerly called a Kodak moment, is McWay Falls in Big Sur. I’m going way back to April 2012 for this shot. The stream falling off the cliff runs year-round and is so steady it seems like someone has a hose just behind the crest feeding the stream. A combination of the shallow beach and the fresh water give the cove a turquoise look which is contrasted by the Pacific Ocean at the top of the photo. Even though the beach calls out to everyone on the overlook especially during low tide, it is inaccessible.

In addition to the beautiful view, two other things make this photo. First, there is a short walk to see the fall from the highway which has limited parking. Second, and perhaps most important, access to this photo was impossible before the Great Depression. The world-famous US Highway 1 in this remote section of California was only possible because of the WPA. Using federal funds to build infrastructure, President Roosevelt proposed, and Congress funded both the highway and the bridges that turn the Santa Inez mountains from a geographical barrier into a magnificent coastal drive between San Simeon and Carmel.

If things break loose and we get to travel this summer, I’ll send new postcards. For now, I’ll have to dream. One thing always holds true, it is better to give than to receive postcards. Wish you were here!