June 2017 we arrived in the USA and spent two weeks touring independently before we joined the Ship on the 25th June. After a two night stopover in Los Angeles we flew down to Monterey for a week to explore that area and which we really enjoyed very much. There was so much to see and do. The Historic Waterfront was beautiful and the Fisherman's wharf with all its lovely seafood restaurants was a favourite spot. The seafood was so fresh. The photo above was taken at the Pacific Grove outdoor Lodge and even though it is early summer there was still quite a chill in the air so a moment by the fire while we waited for coffees was welcome.
The beaches at Monterey were great for walking. Some sandy and some very rocky that the seals enjoyed. We walked 5 km each way from the town. The views are beautiful and the temperatures were pleasant. School had just broken up for the summer so there were lots of kids in outdoor sports programs as in the photo above. All of Monterey bay is said to be one the crown jewels of the central coast and is one of the most productive marine environments in the world.
The recreational yachts in the harbour always made a nice display and in particularly on a still evening with little wind the reflections were beautiful. This was taken from a restaurant and soon after the sea otters were playing and putting on a show which was great entertainment while having dinner.
Pescadero Point is an ecological reserve which is abundant with crabs, starfish, snails and abalone etc so it is illegal to harvest any sea life. It is a coastline that is very similar to our Kaikoura coastline except it has beautiful white sand and mile after mile of undeveloped coastline.
The small island in the background was home to a colony of Cormorants. Their droppings from a distance made the island look like it was covered in snow and along with the white sand along the rocky beach it made a beautiful sight. The fog was starting to roll in which it does frequently in this area as it is a natural part of summer and keeps temperatures mild.
Most surprising to see on the beach was a family of squirrels. They were very tame and looking for food. Some were quite big which I guess was a sign they were very well fed although probably not the healthiest for them I suspect.
One of the most photographed trees in North America. A lone Cypress tree growing on a granite hillside. Such a beautiful area and note the fog rolling in too. Lucky it stayed clear while we were there.
We had a quick stop at Pebble Beach Golf Links and hotel. Very very upmarket and where the US Golf Open has been played several times. Was really worth the stop .
The famous 18th hole and the outdoor balcony of the restaurant. What a great scenic spot to stop and eat but the prices were outrageous so we moved on.
Had a very nice lunch at The Forge in Carmel by the Sea. Carmel is the town where the actor Clint Eastwood was Mayor a few years back. He still lives nearby. The Forge was built in 1944 and some of the original tools are still on display today. The restaurant has undergone a rejuvenation which has preserved the old world charm and it was such a nice atmosphere with great staff and beautiful food and it was thanks to our guide that we came to eat there as it was one of his favourites.
A large Aloe Vera plant growing right on the coastline. Amazing as I have only seen them as pot plants at home.
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