July 25

Steve said he wants to be part of this so he will be putting in his two cents too.

Didn't write yesterday so to catch up...  We had a wonderful evening on Tuesday getting caught up over dinner with our friends Doug and Katie Varner.  These trips to CA are too far in between so there is never enough time to get everything said, but it was great seeing them and our other CA friends and family. 

Wednesday was a travel day.  A long straight boring for me - tedious for Steve - drive up I-5 (we're allowed to call it 'The 5' since we are in California - Colorado people, it is 'I5') to our home base for the Central CA part of the trip.  We are staying in Casa de Fruta (on state 152, Pacheco Pass) which started as a fruit stand in 1908.  Lots of old farming equipment and peacocks.  The RV camp is nice and will be home base for 3-4 days.

Thursday, finally a day to tour.  Today was our day at Monterey.  A beautiful drive there through rolling golden hills to the fog enclosed coast.  But once on Cannery Row, the sun came out with a wonderful blue sky.  After a very luxurious lunch overlooking the bay we walked to the Monterey Bay Aquarium.  Steve's pictures came out much better than mine and we are sharing some of those with you.

We have been pretty good (for us) on the souvenir front, but couldn't not get something for our granddaughter Lana.  So with Crush in hand we were the envy of every kid under 10 we passed. (Steve) And the adults liked him too!

We then did the 17 Mile Drive around Pebble Beach.  Incredible scenery and some unbelievable mansions.  No pictures of those, but trust me...

These are the coastal cypress trees that have been photographed by so many.  Hard to believe this is a golf course.

This just made me laugh since we get the same warning signs "if there's a flood get to higher ground".  Duh.  But I doubt the little guy on the sign has enough time to be clear of that wave.

This is Bird Island, just covered with black birds, sea lions and seals.  The smell was horrific but the sight amazing.

Steve's cents #1

A few pictures from Monterey.  This one was of jelly fish 'Jelly Mon'.  Amazing aquarium.  BTW, this is Sherry's first visit to Monterey so the aquarium was a new, and fun, experience. Those who know me, well we hear that after Labor Day on weekdays, it isn't so crowded :-)



The seahorse exhibit was great! And so lifelike!

Another Cypress tree.

It is our intention to head North on PCH (US1 Pacific Coast Highway) and head towards Santa Cruz and farther tomorrow.