A friend from work, Emily and I, drove up to the Pinnacles yesterday.  I had heard a little about the park and was really excited to check it out.  It is located east of Salinas Valley, with an entrance through Soledad and one through Hollister.  We went through Soledad.  As you drive closer the road curves and winds and you catch glimpses of these large monoliths.  Very impressive formations!  After reading the website, I learned that this monument are remains of an ancient volcano and that the monoliths, canyons and caves are the result of MILLIONS of years of erosion and continental drift.  And!!  The volcano first erupted 195 miles south of its current location and has moved up north along the San Andreas Fault (and is still moving).  Sounds neat, huh?  Than there are the caves that you need a flashlight to crawl through.  Ouch!  But before the caves...you have to walk under and over some pretty massive boulders.  I hope my pictures portray this - as usual - you just have to be there!  Thanks Emily for sharing the experience with me ~

http://www.nps.gov/pinn/