During my first week in California, I was taken by its striking beauty, having had no idea the mountains, always looming in sight, would provide such a spiritual backdrop. We made our way up through southern California, entering through Yuma, Ariz. By chance we continued to drive north and settled somewhat comfortably in Nipomo, where residents described the Nipomo Dunes with charm. But upon reaching that area I was saddened by the stretch of vehicles along the beach. Wouldn’t most people agree that cars damage the ecosystem there and blemish the view?