Salinas, Monterey, Carmel and Santa Cruz

So Friday morning, after a breakfast at the Merritt Bakery (in which CF refused to indulge in chicken and waffles!), we headed down Route 1 towards the Monterey Bay.

The views along Rte. 1 are beautiful and the road from Monterey to SF is generally not too curvy, so it was a perfect drive. We stopped at Pidgeon Point Lighthouse where we encountered a patch of fog that seemed to be sitting just around the lighthouse. Sadly, since the best view of the CA coast is just there, in my opinion. The lighthouse was cordoned off as a few years ago part of the structure fell off and it is in desperate need of repair.

We traveled on from there straight to Salinas where we had booked a hotel. The mapquest directions were awful, and we ended up touring the outskirts of Salinas for awhile before getting to the GoodNite Inn. It was a pretty basic room, but that's okay.

We headed into Salinas and wandered around the downtown area. It's a pretty cute town. CF allowed me to indulge myself in driving around the residential areas. The houses are adorable! We went for some seafood, then it was off to the coffee house we'd visited earlier in the day. They had advertised music - and wow! We were the oldest people in the house for some fairly decent local death metal. Very loud with lot's of little punk boys throwing their long hair around up front. There was another band after that, but they lost our interest during their soundcheck.

Next morning we stopped at the Salinas farmer's market before going to the Steinbeck Center for a look around. CF is a huge Steinbeck fan. I'm not so much, but it was fascinating to learn more about this man's life. I still don't want to read anymore of his work, but I like him better after going to the Center.

Then we had a complete change of venue and headed down to Monterey. It was completely packed with people. We ended up parking far, far from our destinations and walking. I had bought tickets ahead of time, which was a good thing since the line for tickets was to the end of the block. We just stopped by "will call" and sauntered in the back way. Lovely aquarium - the highlight for me were the beavers. They were just wonderful to watch, and one was a real ham!

We wandered around Cannery Row, then went into the downtown to look at some of the older buildings. Then it was off to the Wharf for dinner. We weren't terribly hungry yet, so I suggested a boat tour of the bay. This was a lovely idea and we got to see sea lions, seals, and rub kelp on our hands. Then it was dinner and home to bed...and the best sleep I've had for awhile. I was exhausted.

Sunday, we drove to Carmel. We found a local diner for breakfast with this fabulous painting in the main dining area. It was both beautifully done and absolutely hysterical. Good food and a friendly, friendly staff. Then on to the Fiesta at the Carmel Mission. It's a beautiful building and with the music and the dancing and the smell of good food (and wonderful crafts for sale), it was the perfect day to be there. CF tells me that it was the highlight of his trip. Yay!

After that we wandered around art galleries...the highlight for me was seeing a Steiglitz photo in the Weston Gallery. Totally cool. We chose a "casual and affordable" restaurant from the local guide book to eat at - it was the least casual and affordable of the trip AND the best food we'd eaten. So if you are ever in the mood for good food in Carmel and can afford to indulge - Christopher's on Lincoln is the place to be.

Yesterday, we headed to Santa Cruz, but the Boardwalk was closed. I did get some interesting photos of empty rides. Then we drove home. I have never wanted a nap so badly, let me tell you.

CF leaves tomorrow. I have to admit that I'm more than a bit relieved. It's a bit exhausting having someone around all the time. I'm also a bit relieved that I haven't been having feelings for him because it would feel devastating to have had this intense time together and then have him leave.

Okay...so pictures coming later this week.