Driving my sister's bright yellow Chevy cobalt through the stretch of i-80 was quite uneventful. It was my first time driving it and I did not realize that the needle was resting on 90mph and poor Leo had to keep up behind us as he drove his white Toyota Yaris.
We were on our way to Monterey - I haven't been there is at least 2 years. I have yet to succumb to the pressure of buying a GPS, I still rely on google maps and handwritten directions (as our printer has not be hooked up yet). We did just fine. From i-80 west we took 680 south, 101 s, 156 east then 1 south. It wasn't until I drove throuh highway 1 did I notice the ocean, and strangely, despite the subtropical high it was a cold gray color. It was very intimidating, I was almost expecting it to rise up and consume the sandy hills.
It was a beautiful subtropical high day, with temperatures in the lower 70s. We found public parking and walked to Cannery Row and the place was bustling with people and restaurant workers handing out flyers of their menu. I wanted to try some lesser known Mom and Pop place but the boys wanted to check out the Bubba Gump chain and so we did. We had a good table at the corner with an ocean view behind a high paneled glass and the waves lapping underneath the floorboards - and you can see the waves between the boards. High above the paneled glass are curious spikes that doesn't seem to hold any purpose - but we soon found out what it was for when we heard a painful cry from this black raven-like bird as it tried to perch on it. I guess patrons doesn't bird doodoo next to them while their eating. The food was allright, I've had better calamari some place else - it is actually 80% batter and 20% calamari in every bite.
We then headed for the Monterey Bay Aquarium - my second time. I still enjoyed it, eventhough it's a little steep for me. Most of the exhibits never cease to fascinate me - most of the aquatic creatures that I saw had names that escaped me unfortunately. My favorite however would be the Jellyfish exhibit. When you go, don't miss the dumpling-sized jelly fishes that has this "mysterious strings" of light that runs within the circumeference of their body. Evolution made their anatomy adapt to their surroundings as denizens of the dark ocean floor. I want to bring my little brother here one of these days.
We drove through the scenic 17 mile drive, its gated entrance charges a $9 fee or so and they give you a map. Mansions with incredible ocean view line this cypress riddled - curvy- narrow drive. Each look out points are numbered. I think the lone cypress is at point 17. Shortly after the 17-mile drive make a quick left onto ocean and into this public beach with an amazing coastline. While on the beach, we saw a busker playing Beatle tunes with a bunny on top of his head - read it again - out loud - and faster.
But it was rejuvenating for all of us. I found myself reading a book on the sandy shores while the others busted out their guitar to play some tunes. I know Ron is mending a broken heart and he seems to be in better spirits when we got home that night.
Leo wanted to wait until the sun has set, but I protested, stating treacherous, unfamaliar territory - he relented. By sunset we were driving thru Sand City on highway 1.
I'd go back to Monterey again - and this time, I'd stop by Santa Cruz on my way back.
We were on our way to Monterey - I haven't been there is at least 2 years. I have yet to succumb to the pressure of buying a GPS, I still rely on google maps and handwritten directions (as our printer has not be hooked up yet). We did just fine. From i-80 west we took 680 south, 101 s, 156 east then 1 south. It wasn't until I drove throuh highway 1 did I notice the ocean, and strangely, despite the subtropical high it was a cold gray color. It was very intimidating, I was almost expecting it to rise up and consume the sandy hills.
It was a beautiful subtropical high day, with temperatures in the lower 70s. We found public parking and walked to Cannery Row and the place was bustling with people and restaurant workers handing out flyers of their menu. I wanted to try some lesser known Mom and Pop place but the boys wanted to check out the Bubba Gump chain and so we did. We had a good table at the corner with an ocean view behind a high paneled glass and the waves lapping underneath the floorboards - and you can see the waves between the boards. High above the paneled glass are curious spikes that doesn't seem to hold any purpose - but we soon found out what it was for when we heard a painful cry from this black raven-like bird as it tried to perch on it. I guess patrons doesn't bird doodoo next to them while their eating. The food was allright, I've had better calamari some place else - it is actually 80% batter and 20% calamari in every bite.
We then headed for the Monterey Bay Aquarium - my second time. I still enjoyed it, eventhough it's a little steep for me. Most of the exhibits never cease to fascinate me - most of the aquatic creatures that I saw had names that escaped me unfortunately. My favorite however would be the Jellyfish exhibit. When you go, don't miss the dumpling-sized jelly fishes that has this "mysterious strings" of light that runs within the circumeference of their body. Evolution made their anatomy adapt to their surroundings as denizens of the dark ocean floor. I want to bring my little brother here one of these days.
We drove through the scenic 17 mile drive, its gated entrance charges a $9 fee or so and they give you a map. Mansions with incredible ocean view line this cypress riddled - curvy- narrow drive. Each look out points are numbered. I think the lone cypress is at point 17. Shortly after the 17-mile drive make a quick left onto ocean and into this public beach with an amazing coastline. While on the beach, we saw a busker playing Beatle tunes with a bunny on top of his head - read it again - out loud - and faster.
But it was rejuvenating for all of us. I found myself reading a book on the sandy shores while the others busted out their guitar to play some tunes. I know Ron is mending a broken heart and he seems to be in better spirits when we got home that night.
Leo wanted to wait until the sun has set, but I protested, stating treacherous, unfamaliar territory - he relented. By sunset we were driving thru Sand City on highway 1.
I'd go back to Monterey again - and this time, I'd stop by Santa Cruz on my way back.
No comments:
Post a Comment