Trying to beat the inland heat, we headed for the coast. As we got on the freeway, we could see the bumper to bumper traffic of travelers returning from the long Labor Day weekend.
When we arrived at the San Simeon cove, the parking lot was packed. A little local knowledge goes a long way when you are trying to get away. We headed to San Carpoforo Valley. It’s a little pull-out below near Ragged Point on the south end of the Big Sur coast. The north end of the beach is National Forest and the dogs are allowed. It’s a great spot for them to get a run and play in the water. Another couple in the parking lot reported that there were five whales just off the coast. It’s about a 1/2 mile walk to the beach through coastal scrub and the blocked terminus of the Carpoforo Creek. When we finally got to the beach we were surprised how rough the water was. Large waves were crashing on a very steep shore. No whales could be seen so the dogs had our undivided attention. 
As they get older, we have to be more careful or they will pay for today’s fun with 2 days of arthritic lounging. However, there seemed to be no stopping them. Ranger and Sheba had boundless energy and were crashing in and out of the water.
But then we spotted the whales. In the distance at first, we could see two tails slapping the water in one location and two spouts in others. Slowly they came closer. At one point there were five whales just outside the break. 
They seemed to be working around in a large circle heading south just beyond the waves and north about 100 yards out. For two hours we watched. Unfortunately, I wish I could have gotten more photos but how do you predict when three heads are going to pop out at the same time?
Ramblings With Ranger 