Welcome to Asilomar State Beach in Pacific Grove, California
Every year we travel from our home in Peoria, Arizona to visit my family on the Monterey Peninsula. The stunning shoreline of Pacific Grove remains one of my favorite places to enjoy the beauty and diversity of California’s central coast. While visiting Pacific Grove, I highly recommend spending time at Asilomar State Beach. Asilomar means “refuge by the sea” and when you spend time exploring the beach and walking along the shoreline buffs, you will soon discover why.
Nature Trail at Asilomar State Beach
This beautiful stretch of coastline includes 25 acres of sand dunes that have been protected and restored. The original sand dunes spanned 480 acres, but logging, cattle grazing, and land development led to the deterioration and loss of the original dune ecosystem. Thanks to conservation efforts, the remaining 25 acres of sand dunes have been protected and were designated a Natural Preserve in 2005- the highest level of protection offered through the State Park System (www.parks.ca.gov). Four hundred thousand native plants, representing 25 different plant species, have been replanted in the shelter of the dunes. A boardwalk trail allows visitors to enjoy the beauty of the shoreline buffs while still protecting this fragile ecosystem. I love the color and texture of the delicate native plants and wildflowers.
Upclose view of beach sagewort wildflowers at Asilomar
View of yellow sand verbena along coastal bluff
A stroll along the beach boardwalk is a wonderful retreat from the stresses of everyday life. My husband and I both especially love the view from the gazebo. Any residual tension seems to melt away as I gaze out over the Pacific Ocean.
Gazebo at Asilomar State Beach in Pacific Grove
My refuge by the sea
I have always been drawn to the seashore. Asilomar State Beach with it’s rocky shoreline, protected dunes, and neighboring white sand beach, has remained a continuous source of inspiration. It was at this location where a few quiet moments spent photographing the waves led me to write my poem, Riding Out the Storm, which is featured in our book, The Restorative Power of Spirit: Poems of Faith and Hope.
Riding Out the Storm from The Restorative Power of Spirit: Poems of Faith and Hope
I have enjoyed many treasured memories with my family at Asilomar State Beach and thanks to conservation efforts, we will be able to enjoy this “refuge by the sea” for many years to come.
To see our collection of images of California’s central coast, visit the following link at https://www.bigstockphoto.com/search/?contributor=SILVERBROOK+IMAGES&safesearch=n
SILVERBROOK IMAGES for Bigstock- Asilomar State Beach
On September 25, 2017 we will also be officially launching our new online store, SILVERBROOK IMAGES- photography that touches the soul one image at a time. We will be offering four different collections of prints for customers to explore, including Spirit, featuring the photography from our book, The Restorative Power of Spirit.
Spirit Collection from SILVERBROOK IMAGES- coming soon to Shopify.com
Be sure to check back in as we continue to explore California’s central coast. No matter where your travels may take you in the days and weeks ahead, I wish you and your loved ones a safe and happy journey.
Sincerely,
Sheryl Brooks