This place we call Big Sur has been known by another name to the original people here for thousands of years. Esselen people are not gone, nor are they forgotten, but often visitors to Big Sur go home without ever learning about their presence. Look around. Do you hear the whispers of those that walked this land before you? Can you imagine this area pristine? With smoke from fires dotting the coast from village to village? What a sight it must have been.
*Thank You, All Our Relations, We Honor You.
Like much of the American story, wherever there was money was to be made by exploiting nature and killing wildlife, advantage was taken. When abalone all but disappeared from over fishing, sardines were next in line. This mismanagement of natural resources changed the ecosystem forever.
From abalone to sardines, the Monterey Bay was stripped of much of its abundance by humans. It was also human kindness that brought about the Marine Sanctuary that now extends from just north of San Francisco to Cambria. See also, Save The Bay Foundation.
*Photo credit above: Esselen Tribe of Monterey County
When we know the facts, we can act to change them, so if you haven't watched Seaspiracy, please do. Share with friends and family. Our oceans cannot sustain current levels of exploitation, and in locations like Big Sur, it's easy to appreciate the beauty we're working to conserve.
"No water, no life. No blue, no green." ~Sylvia Earle
FromGreens
How can we help heal Big Sur and the coast going forward? Vegan tourism is a powerful way! When we ask for plant based meals, buy eco-friendly gifts, and act as responsible visitors, vegans and vegan allies are Big Sur's best friends. We hope you get a chance to see condors, otters, whales and much more.
Anyone can act to save habitat and wildlife! Thank you on behalf of the animals and the planet, as well as future generations. Reconnecting with our past by honoring the people and animals who lived here first is key in our healing as a global community. The future is bright.
If you want to remember me, organize!
If you don't know the history of grapes, take a moment to learn about the struggle faced by farm workers before they were allowed to unionize. With United Farm Workers, Cesar Chavez led a boycott on table grapes and endured fasting until finally laws were changed and some rights were won.
We have more work to do if we're to carry on his non-violent legacy of compassion for humanity, animals, and the planet. How? Eat locally and organic, support farm worker rights and never waste precious food.
Grow your own produce whenever possible.
People have often asked, 'who would you have a conversation with if it could be anyone living or not?'... For many reasons, we would love to have a chance to thank Cesar Chavez for his contributions to the world. We thank you for being vegan or a vegan ally as we work toward justice for all.
We ask as you visit this site that you honor those harvesting your food by learning their history and the struggles faced today. Please remember that 'farm to table' is not a trendy phrase, it's a solution for a better world.
Get to know the people that grow your food.
Go, visit, enjoy, there are no words for this place, it must be experienced. Henry Miller and the mark he left here are larger than life.
If you haven't read Big Sur, grab a copy at Nepenthe's gift shop, The Phoenix and find a wooded spot to get to know who Jack really was...
Steinbeck was instrumental in helping make the Big Sur coast a noteworthy tourist location. Without his writings, conservation might have taken a much different turn.
With subtitles...
Based on the novel by Jack Kerouac.
A documentary about the famous Grapes Of Wrath author.
John Steinbeck
#BigSurVegan
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