19 Apr Chasing Big Sur Vibes- Our Weekend Odyssey

Written by: Frederik Steinfath

So, me and my buddy Nickolas decided to hit up Big Sur for the weekend. We’ve heard it’s this wild spot along the Pacific Coast Highway, and we were down for some nature vibes and epic views. The plan? No plan. Just roll with it.

Friday Evening: Rolling into the Unknown

We hit the road on Friday evening, cruising along those twisty Pacific Coast roads. The city vibes started to fade, and we were surrounded by green hills and cliffs. Sunset did its thing, giving us those warm California feels. We rolled into Big Sur in the dark, trying to find a spot to crash. Choices were everywhere – from cozy inns to basic campgrounds. We settled in, stoked for what’s coming.

Our first-night move? A local spot for some grub. We found this low-key joint that served up the best fish tacos we’d ever tasted. We were already feeling the Big Sur vibe – chill, laid-back, and full of surprises.

Saturday Morning: Coastin’ and Brunchin’

Saturday kicked off with a solid breakfast at this little café tucked among the redwoods. Feeling fueled, we hit the rugged coastline. First stop – McWay Falls. Dude, that waterfall drops right onto this chill beach. Postcard moment, for sure. We scrambled down, took in the salty air, and just soaked in the beauty. Or so we hoped to, but it turned out it was closed for the season.

After some not-so waterfall vibes, we decided to mix it up. Hiking in Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park was on the agenda. Trails, trees, and views – it was a good time. For a more laid-back scene, we found ourselves on Pfeiffer Beach, with its purple sand and crazy rocks. Just chilled, took in the waves, and soaked up the sun.

Saturday Afternoon: Trails, Beach Chillin’, and Unexpected Adventures

After some good beach time, we hit the trails again. This time, we went for the Ewoldsen Trail. Moderate hike, but man, the views were worth every step. It felt like we were on top of the world, surrounded by the Santa Lucia Mountains and the endless ocean. A random decision to explore led us to this hidden cove, away from the usual spots. Untouched and wild – that’s the Big Sur charm.

Feeling the call of adventure, we headed to Limekiln State Park. Redwoods, waterfalls, and old lime kilns – a mix of nature and history. A bit off the beaten path, but that’s how we liked it.

Saturday Evening: Sunset Goals and Spontaneous Choices

Come evening, we aimed for Nepenthe – this spot perched high, promising epic sunset views. No disappointments there. Colors lit up the sky, and we were just there, taking it in. Some good food, good vibes, and we called it a day.

But the night was young, and so were we. We heard about this local joint with live music, Fernwood Tavern. The atmosphere was electric, and we found ourselves dancing and laughing with the locals. Big Sur, you surprised us, and we loved every moment of it.

Sunday Morning: Redwoods and History Dose

Sunday morning vibes led us to Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park, wandering among those towering redwoods. It felt like another world. The sunlight filtering through the giant trees created this magical atmosphere. A stroll through the Redwood Grove Nature Trail allowed us to soak up the tranquility and appreciate the sheer magnificence of nature.

Feeling a bit historical, we checked out Point Sur Lightstation. Perched on a volcanic rock, this historic lighthouse told stories of maritime adventures. The guided tour delved into the tales of the sea, giving us a sense of the region’s maritime history. And oh, the panoramic views from the summit – breathtaking.

Sunday Afternoon: Last Hoorah at Bixby Creek Bridge and Unplanned Discoveries

As the weekend winded down, we wanted one last hurrah. Bixby Creek Bridge was our stop. The view was unreal. Waves crashing below, bridge stretching into the horizon – perfect spot for wrapping up the trip.

But the adventure wasn’t over yet. We decided to take a different route back, veering off the highway onto these winding roads that seemed to lead to nowhere. We stumbled upon this hidden gem – Garrapata State Park. Rocky cliffs, untouched beaches, and an untouched beauty that left us in awe.

No crazy plans, no must-dos, just good times, epic scenery, and rolling with whatever felt right. Big Sur – you did us good. Until next time. And who knows where our next adventure will take us – that’s the magic of it all.

Coffee guide for when on the road

For coffee enthusiasts who appreciate a good espresso on the go, the combination of a Jetboil and an Aeropress offers a convenient and efficient way to brew a rich and flavorful cup. Here’s a quick guide to mastering the art of making a proper espresso with these two portable companions.

Start with high-quality coffee beans. Opt for a medium to dark roast and grinded beans with a fine consistency, similar to that used for traditional espresso machines. About 14-18 grams of coffee should do it for a single shot.

Begin by setting up your Jetboil stove. Fill it with the appropriate amount of water and allow it to heat. The precise water temperature is crucial for a good espresso, so aim for around 93 Celsius. The Jetboil’s fast and controlled heating makes it an ideal choice for this step.

While the water is heating, assemble your Aeropress. Place a paper filter in the Aeropress cap and rinse it with hot or in our situation cold water. Attach the cap securely to the chamber and position the Aeropress upside down, plunging end facing upward.

Add the finely ground coffee to the Aeropress, ensuring a level and consistent bed. Once the water in the Jetboil reaches the desired temperature, pour it over the coffee grounds in a slow and steady circular motion, saturating them evenly. Stir the mixture gently to guarantee even extraction.

Secure the filter cap to the top of the Aeropress and let the coffee steep for about 30 seconds to one minute. After the steeping time, flip the Aeropress onto your cup and press down steadily, applying even pressure. The result should be a concentrated and aromatic shot of espresso.

Feel free to adjust the coffee-to-water ratio, grind size, and steeping time to suit your taste preferences. With the Jetboil and Aeropress combo, you can savor the essence of a well-crafted espresso wherever your adventures take you.