On December 30, 2025, our family created memories that will stay with us forever during a delightful pleasure trip to Big Sur, the breathtaking coastal paradise near Carmel Valley, California. What made this journey truly special was not just the destination, but the joy of traveling together — 22 family members — in a recreation vehicle (RV), along with two cars turning the trip into a moving celebration of togetherness.
We started our journey at 10:00 AM, filled with excitement, laughter, and enough food to last the whole day. The RV itself became a hub of conversations, music, snacks, and shared stories as we rolled toward the scenic California coastline.
A Peaceful Pause at Monastery Beach
Our first stop was Monastery Beach, a serene and picturesque stretch of shoreline. The sight of the vast ocean meeting the rugged coastline instantly refreshed our spirits. We spent nearly an hour there, soaking in the natural beauty, walking along the beach, and clicking countless photographs to capture the moment. The sound of waves, the cool breeze, and smiling faces made it a perfect beginning to our adventure.
On the way, the young ladies of our group — including Anu, Tanuja, Mukti, and others — lovingly prepared tea and snacks for everyone and served them inside the RV. Their thoughtful effort added warmth and comfort to the journey and made us feel truly pampered.
Before setting off for the next part of our adventure, the young ladies once again surprised us by preparing rice pulao, which was served fresh in the RV. Enjoying a homemade meal together, surrounded by family and nature, made the experience feel just like a picnic on wheels, adding a special charm to our outing.
Sunset Magic at Bixby Bridge
From Monastery Beach, we continued toward the iconic Bixby Bridge, timing our arrival just as the sun was beginning to set. The golden hues of the sunset painted the sky and ocean in magical colors, offering one of the most stunning views imaginable. Standing near the bridge, we took numerous photographs — family portraits, scenic shots, and, of course, classic pictures featuring the majestic Bixby Bridge itself. It was a moment when nature truly put on a show just for us.
Reaching Big Sur and the Journey Back
After enjoying the sunset, we finally reached Big Sur, admired its dramatic cliffs and coastal beauty, and then began our return journey. Though the visit was brief, the experience was deeply fulfilling. The return trip was equally enjoyable, filled with shared meals, light-hearted conversations, and reflections on the day’s highlights.
At this point, it is important to express our heartfelt thanks and appreciation to Akhil (our son), who organized the entire trip so thoughtfully and efficiently that everyone could enjoy it to the fullest. He also took on the responsibility of driving the RV throughout the journey, ensuring our safety and comfort from start to finish. His efforts truly made this outing smooth, memorable, and stress-free for all of us.
By 8:00 PM, we safely returned to our destination, completing a wonderful ten-hour journey that felt both relaxing and energizing.
Togetherness That Made It Special
What truly made this trip unforgettable was the presence of our loved ones:
- Daksh, Subhadra
- Suresh, Sneh
- Manish, Mukti, Suhani, Riya
- Ankit, Ruchica, Vedant, Sanchi
- Akhil, Tanuja, Ananya
- Anu, Anil, Sahil and his friend Prarthna
- Shray, Ayesha, Aliya
One of the greatest charms of the trip was the presence of the youngest member of our family, little Aliya, who was soon to turn one year old. She became the center of everyone’s affection, with each family member eager to hold her in their arms. I, too, cherished a special moment when I held her gently on my palm — not an easy task given her tiny movements, but a moment that brought me immense joy.
Another delightful highlight of the journey was Prarthna, Sahil’s charming friend from India who is now working in the USA. Her pleasant personality and warm smile made her very popular with everyone, and many of us were eager to capture memories by taking photographs with her.
Another special attraction of the trip was the coming together of two families visiting from India and one from Los Angeles. Their presence added a unique warmth to the gathering, as everyone had come together in the USA to celebrate a special wedding anniversary, making the occasion even more joyful and meaningful.
My sister Sneh, along with her husband Dr. Suresh, and their son Pintoo and his family, brought cheer and laughter to every moment with their lively conversations and pleasant company. Their sense of humor kept the atmosphere light and enjoyable throughout the trip.
Manish and his family, visiting from Los Angeles, were equally helpful and fun-loving. Manish not only added to the cheerful spirit of the group but also contributed by driving his car from LA, supporting the logistics of our large family outing.
Traveling together, sharing food, laughter, and experiences strengthened our family bonds and reminded us that happiness multiplies when shared.
A Day to Cherish
Our Big Sur trip was not just a sightseeing tour — it was a celebration of family, nature, and togetherness. Surrounded by the beauty of California’s coastline and the warmth of loved ones, the day left us with priceless memories and countless photographs to look back on with a smile.
We returned home tired but content, already cherishing a journey that will always hold a special place in our hearts.
DK and Subhadra's Visit to various countries and cities! 