Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
CALIFORNIA'S COMEBACK CONDORS
When it comes to endangered species, one of the state's biggest success stories is the
California condor. These gigantic, prehistoric birds weigh over 20lb with a wingspan of up
to 10ft, letting them fly great distances in search of carrion. They're easily recognized by
their naked pink head and large white patches on the underside of each wing.
This big bird became so rare that in 1987 there were only 27 left in the world, and all
were removed from the wild to special captive-breeding facilities. Read the whole gripping
story in journalist John Moir's book Return of the Condor: The Race to Save Our Largest
Bird from Extinction.
There are over 400 California condors alive today, with increasing numbers of captive
birds being released back into the wild, where it's hoped they will begin breeding natur-
ally, although it's an uphill battle. Wild condors are still dying of lead poisoning caused by
hunter's bullets in the game carcasses that the birds feed on.
The Big Sur coast and
Pinnacles National Park
offer excellent opportunities to view this
majestic bird. In Big Sur, the
Ventana Wildlife Society
(
www.ventanaws.org
)
occasion-
ally leads two-hour guided condor watching tours ($50) using radio telemetry to track
the birds; for sign-up details, check the website or ask inside the
Big Sur Discovery
Center
.
Activities
Molera Horseback Tours
HORSEBACK RIDING
831-625-5486;
www.molerahorsebacktours.com
; Hwy 1; per person
$48-74; )
Across Hwy 1 from Andrew Molera State Park, Molera offers guided trail rides on the
beach and through redwood forest. Walk-ins and novices are welcome; children must be at
least six years old, with most rides recommended for ages 12 and up.
Esalen Institute
RETREAT CENTER
Marked only by a lit sign reading 'Esalen Institute - By Reservation Only,' this spot is like
a new-age hippie camp for adults. Esoteric workshops treat anything 'relating to our great-
