When tourists from around the globe plan their Highway 1 Big Sur Coast trips months in advance, they never count on forest fires, landslides and road closures that this stretch of road is so accustomed to. However, it's smooth sailing most of the time and Gorda Springs by the Sea, one of several small, commercial road stops on the treacherous "1″ is a welcomed site (and a beacon at night) for those seeking a bite to eat, a place to stretch the legs, look at the sea, find a bed and night's rest, and explore this uncharted coastline.

In March 2011 Gorda Springs, Nepenthe and Ragged Point and Lucia all again were impacted by spring rains that created road slides on Highway 1, forcing road and lane closures leading into the popular coastline and also leading into the summer months when vacationers come from around the globe to drive this spellbinding road with hairpin turns, speeds seldom above 40-50 miles per hour, and many white knuckle, narrow curves where it looks like you'll end up in the ocean if you make a wrong move.

The news update from Gorda Springs posted recently offered this information as of April 20, 2011 (Easter Weekend):

Highway 1 Update

Due to a recent road closure on the northern side of Highway 1 and another on the southern end of the highway, visitors should take an alternate route to Gorda Springs Resort. The northern route is now accessible between the hours of 8 pm and 8 am. However, if traveling at other hours of the day, you should travel via Nacimiento-Fergusson Road from King City.

From the US-101 Freeway take Exit 283 to merge onto Co Road G14/Jolon Road (17.8 miles) from King City. Take a slight right at Mission Road (3.2 miles), then a left at Nacimiento-Fergusson Road (0.8 miles), and another left to stay on Nacimiento-Fergusson Road (24.2 miles). Turn left at CA-Highway 1/Cabrillo Highway (8.8 miles). Gorda Springs Resort is located on the left side of the highway directly on the coast.

For current updates and information see: gordasprings.com