One of my most favorite areas on the California coast is the Carmel and Monterey area. The first time I remember going to that part of the coast, and didn’t go shopping, was in college during a botany class field trip. We took a day long stroll through the forest, meadow and out to the beach on a quest to discover and admire the coastal flora and fauna. It was incredible. I promised myself I would come back again and again. I kept that promise to myself and it turns out it’s like going somewhere new every time because the coast is always changing with the tide and storms that pound its shores throughout the year.
This visit was THE perfect weekend to go. It was a beautiful, sunny, 72 degree day. There was a nice breeze and HUGE waves that boomed against the cliffs and rocks. You could feel the sounds waves travel through your body. I couldn’t help but let out an “Oooh!” and “Ahhh!” at the sound and show the ocean was putting on for us. Certainly, only the brave or insane risked their lives while they stood on the rock formations along the shore as the enormous walls of water crashed upon and then swallowed entire mountainous outcroppings that peppered the edge of the shore.
After an afternoon of beach combing and photo taking, we stopped at a monastery directly across from Point Lobos and then cruised up to visit the Carmel Mission. Both had amazing buildings in beautiful settings. The mission was especially spectacular as far as the size, structures, history and age. It certainly brought back memories of my Catholic school days going to the old Saint Joseph’s church in down town San Jose.
We ended the day with dinner and dessert at Cannery Row. I didn’t get any pictures of that…Sunday evenings are very quiet there. I will definitely do that again. No crowds. I should have taken some photos there. I’ll do it next time!
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