Pacific Coast Highway
Monterey, California reminds me a bit of New England. The kids thought that the smell of the ocean was a bit stinky, but it reminded me of my home town of Beverly, Massachusetts. That smell makes me smile as it brings back memories of growing up so close to the beach. I miss the North Shore.
We shopped around a bit this morning in Monterey then headed south to 17 Mile Drive through Pebble Beach. The fog was a bit persistent along the coastline but when it cleared the views were stunning. Although filtered by the fog, Ronnie stopped to see "The Lone Cypress," an iconic visual known in this area. We stopped to grab a quick pic at the gates of the famed Pebble Beach Golf Course and then we were on our way to Carmel.
We continued on through Carmel, which was PACKED with tourists, so we bailed and drove back to PCH and headed south. The road hugged the mountainside and overlooked the stunning seaside vistas. With each twist and turn a new view awaited us. As the fog rolled over the shoreline, we would catch glimpses of the spectacular coastline. We found ourselves pulling off the road to grab photos between the fog.
First stop was Bixby Bridge, a great view of where the steep mountains dump into the ocean below. The ocean waves looked fierce and powerful. The water was bright blue, much bluer than I expected.
We drove on for a bit and found ourselves at Big Sur. Again the fog was fighting us for the view but we managed to capture a few moments. That's when the wheels started to fall off the bus for Cailyn as she became "Hangry" due to lack of food. With every turn she wanted to know where the closest Wendy's was located. Silly girl. We did come across a great little roadside cafe that offered made to order sandwiches. After it was all said and done it was actually less expensive than any Wendy's and so much better.
Continuing on, we stopped here and there taking photos and standing in awe of the shoreline. As the shoreline slowly leveled out we saw signs for elephant seal viewing. And that's exactly what it was...a beach full of elephant seals sunning themselves and groaning loudly for dominance. Impressive mammals and extremely large, but the one thing everyone noticed was the smell. Every once in a while, the wind would shift and well...let's just say it wasn't pleasant.
Ronnie's brother kept telling us to stop and tour Hearst Castle but we simply ran out of time. We could see the castle way up on a peak and it was quite impressive even from that distance. But as we drove past the property, we noticed about a dozen cars pulled over on the side of the road and everyone with their cameras out. We could see what looked like horses but as we got closer we realized it was a herd of zebras. Funny what people with unlimited funds will collect.
We're staying in San Luis Obispo tonight and surprised the kids with a movie, a Drive-In Movie (Inside Out). Thanks Trip Advisor for the great evening activity.
Off to Los Angeles tomorrow to see Ronnie's brother and to play tourist among celebrities.