Big Sur Drinking Fountains Revisited

With Phoebe Adams as navigator and note taker, we headed north on Highway I to see if the current drought was affecting the Historic Fountains.  Much to our delight Soda Springs, the first fountain going north, (above Photo) was lush; spring water flowed cheerfully through the vegetation. The fountain actually sparkled; this little hidden roadside oasis had been cleaned of weeds and rock debris.   --  Link to original posting on The Big Sur Drinking Fountains  -    http://mycoastalcalifornia.blogspot.com/2014/08/big-sur-drinking-fountains-snippet-of.html

We only hesitated at Big Redwood, as it lacks water, and one must slosh through a wet area to reach the fountain remnant.   Big Redwood is the only fountain that is not directly on the road.

A surprise awaited us at Willow Creek/Seven Stairs - Spring water was flowing into a pool.  A benefactor had trimmed the weeds and connected the pipes (above photo).  Native plants were numerous.  The plant with the tiny white flowers is Thimble Berry.  The plant with the lavender flowers is Hedge Nettle.  The Willow Creek Fountain is seven steps above the road, has a great view and a picnic table that is patiently waiting for a picnic.

The Lucia Fountain had also been tidied.  Perhaps the Highway maintenance crew had adopted the fountains.  Spring Water was flowing into a culvert.  Yellow Seep Monkey-flower was a definite day brightener. 

We did not stop at the Rigdon Fountain, as it lacks water, and to reach it one must cross Highway One near a blind curve (no thank you).  We could see that it had been weeded and cleaned.

The historic fountain saga may yet have another chapter.  Originally there were six fountains; the missing fountain was thought to have disappeared in one of the many landslides.  On our way home, somewhere between Nepenthe, the famous Big Sur restaurant, and the Torre Canyon Bridge, I thought I saw fountain rock work.  To quote A. Schwarzenegger, "I'll be back!"