Monterey ~ Garrapata State Park

On our last day we decided to go on another hike (more like walk) along the coastline.  It was a beautiful day, but really windy.  Unfortunately, I decided to not use the restroom before we left because I thought there would be bathrooms there.  Once we got there we found a port-a-potty, but Rich let me know it was disgusting.  Fortunately, I have a strong bladder, but we did have to end our time walking around earlier than wanted.  I think one day we will go back and explore the area more.  There are trails along the coast, but also a trail that goes up the hillside.  I would like to explore both areas.

We decided to set-up the tripod so we could get a picture together.  After we took the picture I noticed I was wearing my Nightmare Before Christmas gloves.  They look a little freaky, but they are perfect for photography in cold areas.  The fingertips are cut off and allow me to operate my camera and stay warm.

Rich is a tiny blue dot on top of the rocks.

Rich taking some pictures.

I thought the clouds rolling over the hills looked pretty cool.

This is probably my favorite picture.  Rich spotted these lilies off the trail a bit.

 Rich's Pictures

Lisa trying to stay warm as we walk and take pictures.

Lisa close to the edge taking some pictures of the ice plants.

Monterey ~ Garland Ranch

Our second day in Monterey started off at the local Mormon Church.  We attended sacrament meeting and were greeted by several friendly faces and hand shakes.  After church we decided to enjoy God's creations and went to Garland Ranch Park for an afternoon hike.

Before we started our hike we checked in at the visitor's center to get a suggestion on where to go.  I read about several different trails and wanted one that would have good photo opportunities.  The ranger steered us on a intermediate hike that was a fairly steep uphill with a beautiful view at the top.  We were grateful for the advice because I thought about taking a harder hike with a very steep climb, but were persuaded (wisely) otherwise.  We went slow and enjoyed the scenery.  We each had a camera and stopped periodically to take pictures.  It wasn't the best day for photography because of the bright sun and wind, but it was a great day for a hike.

Rich headed up the trail.  The uphill was nice because it was more of a gradual climb with switchbacks.  The downhill was rough because it was straight down.

Rich taking pictures.

View for up top to the trail down below.

View of the Carmel Valley.

 

 

Monterey ~ Day One

A couple weekends ago Rich and I went to Monterey.  Ava was excited to spend time with Papa & Nonna Kurz and we looked forward to some time alone.  Most of our time in Monterey was spent outside.  Usually when we go we hit the aquarium and other touristy spots.  Since we love Monterey and go a few times a year I have looked up new things to do in the area.  On this trip we went to two of the places I found online and have been wanting to go for a couple years:  Garland Ranch Regional Park and Garrapata State Park.

The first place we went upon our arrival was not one of these locations.  First, I had to go to Parker-Lusseau Bakery to get my FAVORITE almond croissants.  I LOVE this place and dream about their pastries.  I discovered it a couple years ago when Rich was at a medical conference and I was on my own for breakfast.  When I took a bite of the almond croissant for the first time I was amazed and could hear the hallelujah chorus in the background...yes, they are that good.  Every since that day I dream about these delicious pastries and plan my Monterey trips around the days and times the bakery will be open.  We always make sure to go and I always place an order to bring some croissants home.

After I had my pastry fix and we purchased breakfast for the next day we headed to Pacific Grove.  We had arrived just in time for low tide, so we went to our favorite tide pool location.  The tide was not especially low, but we found a lot of neat things.  The most exciting was a tiny octopus Rich discovered when he turned over a rock.  It was awesome to see it squirt ink when Rich placed it back in the water.  We also saw star fish, crabs, sea anemones and other common tide pool creatures.

Rich holding a tiny sea star.

The underneath of an urchin.  You can see the mouth.

Crab

Brittle Star

Brittle Star

Chiton

Sea star regrowing a couple of legs.

Eel (we think)

Rich holding tiny octopus.

Octopus

Rich trying to release the octopus.  It didn't want to let go.

After tide pooling we explored Pacific Grove a little more.  We checked out the small, but interesting P.G. Natural History Museum.  Then we went to one of the local antique stores.  It is a huge store with tons of interesting and unique things.  Some of the items we would like to own, but could not afford.  It was just fun to look around.

Whale eyeball.  We have seen this a couple times now, but I still think it is interesting.

The museum has a lot of taxidermy of local wildlife.

I was super excited to find these milkweed seeds at the gift shop.  It is the host flower for Monarchs.  I have been looking for some with no luck.  Maybe we will get some Monarchs to land and build chrysalis in our backyard.

Jelly Belly Factory

For Ava's March preschool field trip we went to the Jelly Belly Factory.  Rich took the day off and joined us for the adventure.  Since I don't like Jelly Bellies it wasn't that exciting to me, but it was fun being together as a family.  Ava had fun seeing her teachers and sampling the candy.  When it was time to pick out something to take home she picked a chocolate bunny instead of Jelly Bellies (that's my girl).