Santa Cruz & Monterey

Leaving San Francisco we knew that we wanted to drive Highway 1 along the coastline.  Not knowing exactly where we were going to lay our heads for the next few nights, we kind of had our minds on the Santa Cruz area.  In the console sat the list of "must sees" from the patrons of Red Jack Saloon.  First on our list was a bowling alley just outside of the San Fran area.  Our drive started too early to experience this alley. Time to move on.  

Best lobster rolls on Hwy 1

Next, we drive by a place called, "Sam's" and it is absolutely packed.  Checking to see if it is on our list, we notice someone tried remembering the name of a restaurant that was a guy's name.  This has to be it, so we stop.  Since we had just eaten sushi lunch for Mandy's birthday in San Francisco, we couldn't bring ourselves to eat there even though they claimed to have the best lobster rolls.  Instead, we ordered a beer and sat on a couple of Adirondack chairs out back.  It is sunny but still cool enough to need a light jacket.  Our view is of a small bay with a few sailboats sprinkled throughout.  Both ducks and seals frolicking in the water and after a couple of sips of our beer, I can see the smiles beginning to grow on both of our faces.  It was one of those moments where you would find yourself saying, "This is the life!".

Every turn was picturesque  

A drink was plenty knowing we still had a full day ahead of us.  As we move down the coast, we are in complete awe of the beauty created by the meeting of mountain and ocean.  So much land, so much ocean and both looking untouched by mankind.  Again, reminders of just how small we are in this world.  Without a word said, we slowly hold hands as if we knew what exactly the other was thinking.

After several stops to enjoy powerful views and take pictures, we finally make it to Santa Cruz to have dinner and decide if this cute little surf town will be the place we rest for the night or two.  The feeling here is extremely laid back and it can be seen by people playing beach volleyball, laying out on the beach or just strolling the pier.  We walk around a bit to check things out and stretch our legs.  We walked the pier and noticed an amusement park and arcade on the other side of the beach.  What a great time Santa Cruz could be for a family!   There seemed to be a little something for everyone.  Next, we make our way into the downtown area of Santa Cruz.  This is when we discovered that most shops were closed and there wasn't much to it.  All the action seemed to be left at the pier but it was starting to get late and we still haven't eaten nor found a place to stay.  Looking at the prices, activities and places in Santa Cruz, we decide to move on.

Next major stop geographically down the coast was Monterey.  Although it was 80 percent booked, we managed to find a place for the night.  Apparently, we were on the front end of a large bicycle race weekend.  At our arrival, we go check out Fisherman's Wharf to find a place for dinner but also to see if this is an area in which we would like to spend more time the next day or two.  Although we didn't eat at the Wharf that evening, the area looked promising for a couple of days of outdoor activities.

We finally made our way into town to have a birthday dinner for Mandy since she only got birthday lunch on her actual birthday. (Believe me, this is better than her demands for an entire birthday month.). This is where Mandy deemed celebration with beer and pizza!

Claiming to want to breathe in the views.  Really just resting her legs. 

The following day we drive back toward the Wharf area.  I took a small run while Mandy enjoyed a cafe beside the bike path.  Along my run, I saw several things I wanted to show Mandy so, upon my return, we rented bikes and began to explore.  Monterey consists of many beautiful homes along the bay, bike trails, parks overlooking the bay.  Along our 8-10 mile ride we learned that we were there during seal birthing time.  We were able to see several babies on the beach but some areas were completely closed to provide both privacy and protection to the seals during this time.  It was heart warming to see the babies curled up against their mothers and the mothers instinctively take to her pup.

The bike rental shop provided a map of several points of interest along the way and we nearly tried to see all of them before our legs began to tell us that they have had enough.  Along the way we saw sand dunes, seals, stunning ocean front, golf courses, a light house and many million dollar homes hugging the coastline.  We could tell why so many people who could afford to live here would want to.

Cypress tree has been on this rock longer than we have been alive. 

Day 2 included a return to the Wharf area, but this time we went to check out the neighboring area of Cannery Row.  Long ago in this area existed a canning company where sardines were canned and distributed.  After closing of the plant, it was a pretty run down area until a famous writer (John Steinbeck) mentioned the area within one of his books.  The area has since revitalized and now consists of shops, restaurants, bars, antique shops and cafés.  While in Monterey it was recommended that we also do the "17 mile drive" which was said to be beautiful.  It turns out that the drive is one through an extremely prominent neighborhood that hugs the coast and also includes the famous Pebble Beach Golf Club (where events like the US Open and the Masters have been held). Money can buy the best of views in Monterey!

Views never get old.  Unfortunately, Mandy turned another year older. 

We stopped off at moments to enjoy spectacular views before making it to the golf club.  When we rolled up to the club, it was immediately evident that we didn't belong there.  When we got close to the entrance to the greens, Mandy pulled over quickly so that I could get a picture.  As I stood at the entrance, I snapped a picture quickly as I saw someone coming toward me.  It was a caddie so I snapped another picture of him on his motorized club carrier and I begin to walk out of his way.  After a couple of steps of moving back to the car, I hear someone say, "Hey Chica, let me help you".  It was the caddie who was offering to take my picture in front of the sign.  Quickly thereafter, he looked around and told me to get onto the motorized club carrier but to not touch anything.  A couple of more pictures snapped.  I could tell that he shouldn't have been doing this.  I thanked him profusely and walked back to the car.  

What happened to carrying bags on your back? 

There, I sat in silence while I held back my tears.  Mandy wondered what the heck happened and whether or not these were tears of hurt or joy.  After a moment of composing myself, I showed her the pictures and told her how kind the caddie was to me.  I suppose that I was so touched because it was obvious that I was not the type of person that was a member of the club (by my attire that day) and this caddie went out of his way to make it a special moment for me.  I guess I just saw it as such a high display of kindness that all I could do was cry...and I don't even like golf!

Monterey was one of the most enjoyable places on this trip.  Outside of the 17-mile drive that I would never be able to afford, it's comfortable bay and areas along the bay just "felt good".  The combination of beautiful coastline, water activities, the marina and a great little downtown area made for an enjoyable stay.