California Part II

The drive north to Monterey is more than stunning coastline. We drove through Salinas (John Steinbeck country), watching fields of workers stooped over their huge burlap sacks harvesting a bounty of vegetables. 

The day included a trip to Cannery Row with its rusty charm, Fisherman's Wharf and the Monterey Bay Aquarium.

                          Old boat off the Monterey Wharf framed by SF skyline

                                                        Snapped this photo in the aquarium

Monterey to San Francisco is a short drive and we were anxious to explore the city. From Chinatown and Little Italy to Golden Gate Park and Nob Hill, we walked, or should I say climbed, our way around the town. That doesn't mean we didn't jump on a cable car from time to time. 

                                   If you get bored in this city, then there is something 

                                                      seriously wrong with you!

     

                                                 A little gambling in Chinatown

                                       Click below to see video of fortune cookie maker

                                        Presidio Park with SF skyline in the background

                                              This Victorian Queen Anne house is a gem

                                                        Grace Cathedral on Nob Hill

Just across the bridge is the lovely town of Sausalito where we stopped for lunch and enjoyed the view looking out on the bay.

Leaving Sausalito we headed north through forests of redwoods. Of course we couldn't pass up the chance to see the "Drive Thru Tree".

  

                                       

With only a day left, we drove to Yountville, the quintessential Napa town. After checking out the restaurant reviews, we opted for lunch on the charming patio at Bistro Jeanty. The artichoke terrine was amazing, followed by steak frites-we left happy.

                                 "Many a trip continues long after movement in time  
                                 and space have ceased." -John Steinbeck   

 

Big Sur and Beyond

It was a truly memorable drive up the winding Pacific Highway. From the jagged windblown cliffs of Big Sur to the giant redwood forests, there is so much unspoiled beauty. Although we had ten days, it left me wanting more.

The landmark Bixby Bridge in Big Sur 

While pulling off the road for another scenic view, we encountered the local character pictured below. Please note the bird on his head. Apparently, Austin is not the only place "Keeping it Weird".

Before leaving the area, we opted for a hike in Pfeiffer Park. Taking a trail from Big Sur Lodge, it was less than a mile to Pfeiffer Falls, but most of it was uphill through a pristine forest of oaks and redwoods. Then it was time to head for Carmel-by-the-Sea. What can I say about Carmel that you don't already know? Probably not much, but it was even more charming than I remembered. It's brimming with boutiques and art galleries that practically spill down to the beach.                                                                                    Lunch was a great find at Patisserie Boissiere where the smell of butter and freshly baked french pastries lured us inside before a stroll on the beach. I couldn't resist stopping to take a picture of this quaint bungalow that was only a block from the beach-heaven on earth.

             

I want this!!

Carmel has attracted artists from all over the world

                                               

Next on my "to see" list was the Carmel Mission. Opened in 1791, it is still a functioning Catholic parish and a great example of Spanish Colonial architecture.

San Carlos de Borromeo de Carmelo

More to come in my next post with pics of Monterey, San Francisco and Napa.

                                                

                                  

                    

                                                                             

Anticipation

The countdown has begun with only a few days left before a long-awaited vacation. I can't wait until the plane lifts off and we are on our way. I think the ride along the California coast is something everyone should experience at least once. From Big Sur to Carmel and the Monterey Peninsula, then up to San Francisco and Mendocino, I will be snapping photos all the way. 

I'll post my pics as soon as I get back, so check in and share my trip.

Blame it on the Heat

Yes, I've been procrastinating with this month's post. With temperatures reaching the triple digits, I find it difficult to summon the energy or enthusiasm for anything that requires being outdoors. Honestly, this time of year I would rather be anywhere but Austin.

It boggles my mind when I see runners streaking by in the middle of the afternoon. I wonder how they can tolerate the heat, or if it has affected their brains. Simply keeping my plants and lawn alive with morning and evening watering while fighting mosquitos leaves me wilted.

As if things are not toasty enough,there is the annual Hot Sauce Festival (held outdoors, of course), and the Hatch Chile Festival, not to mention the various chile cook-offs held around Austin. One can only imagine how unbearable it must be, standing over an open grill stirring an enormous pot of chili. I don't care if it IS under a tent - hot is hot!  

I think the only way to survive summer here is to hibernate as much as possible.

Welcome to the dog days of summer.