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The Eternal Bliss of the Great Pacific, Or, Saturday Morning at 9am

My husband and I spent Thanksgiving last year, which now seems like a long time ago but wasn’t, at the Post Ranch Inn in Big Sur.

This was a serious splurge; it is also perhaps the most beautiful place I’ve ever stayed, so if it’s possible, on balance, worth it. (A few notes on chipping away at cost/value–join iPrefer, use the American Express Platinum, drive a Lexus, become a repeat guest. Also, nearby Ventana is a Hyatt hotel, so, points, and Deetjens, less expensive, looks pretty cool. Big Sur is a wonder.)

The first thing that happened was they upgraded us to a house. Yikes.

It had a kitchen.

And a fireplace.

Corners of nothing but glass.

And the patio of forever. You can see the curvature of the earth from here. I live for that shimmer of light.

Then I couldn’t walk for a while because my eyes rolled back in my head from the beauty and space and sky and ocean.

We ate spectacular food and drank spectacular wine.

Then we hiked around the place. The trails are so quiet, with conifer needles underfoot. I use the word “conifer’ because I don’t know what kind of trees they are. Telling you all my secrets.

The eastern view ain’t bad neither.

Also I got a massage. Then went to the gift shop to bring home souvenirs for stocking presents. Saipua forever.

One day I watched the sunset in a scarf and a shirt covered in butterflies.

Another day I sat in the hot tub wearing my hiking hat.

I have never before put a photo of myself in a bathing suit on this blog, I may never do so again, but it seems that at 65 I can give myself that freedom if I choose.

Meanwhile, I suspect the sun is still setting every night in Big Sur, and will do so again tonight, possibly in a blaze of restrained impossible glory.

Thank you all so very much for your condolences, blessings, and words of experience and comfort on the death of my father. I and those I love have gone through a lot of loss the past three years. My mother, a brother-in-law, my children’s father, my best friend, and my own father. (I am going to add, because of these times, none of COVID.)

However, I remain convinced of my good fortune. I am a happy woman, with a family I love and ease to hand. I’ll add, knowing you are out there is outright awesome.

Have a wonderful weekend.

19 Responses

  1. Oh my goodness Lisa! My husband and I LOVE Big Sur and have been there many times. While we have lunched at Post Ranch, we have never stayed there. We HAVE stayed at The Ventana for many nights (before it was purchased by a new group) and at Deetjens (which we also love). My husband has always wanted to stay at Post Ranch, but I thought it was too expensive. Your photos may change my mind. Thank you for this post! The photos are breathtaking!

    1. It is too expensive, and also worth it if possible, if that makes sense. It makes me really happy to share the photos. I’m so glad you liked them. Now that you mention it, I remember that you two love Big Sur!

  3. Thank-you so much for sharing your wonderful trip to Big Sur. I am certain that through your writing I can get there by osmosis.
    All my best regarding the losses which by my account increase as life proceeds.Hard to believe we just disappear.

    Luci

    1. I hope so much is absorbed:). I realize that I’d been expecting a break from losses. Maybe I should instead be preparing to receive them more gracefully.

  5. Lisa, loved seeing these beautiful photos and reading about your sublime visit to Post Ranch Inn! Your writing is lovely… please clarify for me the meaning of the lilting phrase “ease to hand”, as I have never heard it. And huge condolences on the passing of your beloved dad.

    1. Thank you so much. Love seeing you around here:). I may have made the phrase up? I understanding meaning having something to hand as meaning it’s available. And for me, ease is available. Some people grieving don’t have that resource. But it might have been a funny way to say it:)

  6. Somehow I could not post last week. Maybe because I remember reading your fathers book. He just seemed too close. When I think of him he looms large. What an empty space he eaves. Who will fill it? What a tough time you have had. Your mother was certainly unique and so was your father. Dlo they make them that way anymore? I’m so sorry for what you are going through, We have had losses and there is an emptiness that just can’t be filled. My heart goes out to yo and your family.xoSandy

    1. Thank you so much. Knowing that you’d read Dad’s book, and so felt close to him, fills my heart even though his loss is large.

  7. OH GOSH…….SO MANY TO LOSE….I guess its our age!
    YOU LOOK DAM GOOD FOR 65 IN THAT SUIT!
    STRUT IT AND SHOW US MORE When THE SUN IS OUT AND GLORIOUS!
    GLAD YOU GOT AWAY……..IT DOES A BODY AND MIND GOOD!I NEEDTO ESCAPE SOUTH……..SOON!
    XXX

    1. It is our age. And thank you for the compliment. Not sure I’m ever going to strut;), but I am happy to have taken this out of the Never Box.

  8. Just looking at these photos lifted my spirit. You look happy in the photos. Thank you for sharing.

  9. I first remember actually looking at a sunset when I was about 4, on the beach at Carmel, just north of Big Sur – thanks for taking me back to that day! It’s good to know those sunsets are still gorgeous, 75 years later…

  10. I have been obsessed with Big Sur for years and years though I have never been. I think it started with a photo in Sunset magazine of McWay Falls and continued when I got the Big Sur Bakery cookbook, which I read cover to cover. Next week my husband and I are leaving the New England ice behind for a bit and are taking a road trip down the coast, two nights at Deetjen’s and two nights at Treebones. Finally! And I can’t wait! Breakfast pizza, infinity views, and blazing sunsets, here I come.

    I’m so sorry for all your losses. I hope Big Sur was a balm. Your photos are so beautiful!

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