Robinson Jeffers’ Big Sur

Robinson Jeffers lived in the Tor House and built the Hawk Tower on the left for his Irish American wife, Uma.  (Ricardo DeAratanha / Los Angeles Times)

Charleen Schuss of Carmel overlooks the Tor House from the lofty perch of the Hawk Tower.  (Ricardo DeAratanha / Los Angeles Times)

The view of the Pacific Ocean from the top of Hawk Tower.  (Ricardo DeAratanha / Los Angeles Times)

Horseback riding is allowed on Andrew Molera State Park beach.  (Ricardo DeAratanha / Los Angeles Times)

A sculpture of Henry Miller, by Sanford S. Golden, at Henry Miller Library.  (Ricardo DeAratanha / Los Angeles Times)

Deetjen’s Big Sur Inn.  (Ricardo DeAratanha / Los Angeles Times)

David Fuess of Carmel reads while waiting for a friend to arrive for breakfast at Deetjen’s Big Sur Inn. “I come down here for the sanity ... best breakfast in the world,” he says.  (Ricardo DeAratanha / Los Angeles Times)

Ripplewood Resort features bare-bones cabins, some next to the Big Sur River, and plenty of shade.  (Ricardo DeAratanha / Los Angeles Times)

Sea Lion Point at Point Lobos State Reserve.  (Ricardo DeAratanha / Los Angeles Times)

A deer at Point Lobos State Reserve.  (Ricardo DeAratanha / Los Angeles Times)

Pacific Coast Highway winds through a canopy of trees in Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park.  (Ricardo DeAratanha / Los Angeles Times)

Waves break on Point Sur beach.  (Ricardo DeAratanha / Los Angeles Times)

Big Creek Bridge on Pacific Coast Highway, the twin of the Bixby Bridge.  (Ricardo DeAratanha / Los Angeles Times)