Kristen surprised us and gave me and Cyanne a joint birthday present/enjoy-being-an-only-child-while-you-can trip to Monterey September 18th-20th. We drove up on Friday afternoon via the inland (aka faster) 101 route and made it almost all the way into Monterey before Cyanne had a complete meltdown and we had to make a quick pit stop. In her defense, she was a real trooper the whole way up and was just ready to stretch her legs for a few minutes. After a random, yet pleasant, conversation with the owner/manager of the motel near the Monterey airport while Cyanne burned some calories, we jumped back in the car for the 10 minute drive into town and our hotel.
The Monterey Plaza hotel:
We stayed at the Monterey Plaza, right on Cannery Row and walking distance to the Aquarium and downtown. While Kristen set up the room, I took Cyanne out to the explore the decks overlooking the bay and the crashing surf - quite a beautiful spot. Then after a quick bath and some dinner, Cyanne was out and Kristen and I relaxed with room service, courtesy of my parents.
The next morning, we set out for some coffee and pastries after a stop at the front desk for a fresh apple, which Cyanne requested every time we crossed through the lobby (the girl loves her apples and would eat them whole), and strolled down the historic, and now touristy, Cannery Row to the Monterey Bay Aquarium.
Cyanne LOVED seeing all the fish. The most impressive exhibit was a special presentation on seahorses which was incredible. The colors and shapes were beautiful, really quite magical - one of those things that neither Kristen or I had never really thought too much about, but for which we now have a much greater respect and appreciation!
Other highlights of the Aquarium visit included the giant kelp tank, the massive "big fish" tank, and of course, the charming sea otters. At the Aquarium, we bought Cyanne an almost life size sea otter stuffed animal which she now adores. It's been added to the team of 'essentials.' 'Ottah' must now accompany her everywhere (along with P&B). However, it's rather comical because the otter is seriously the same size as Cyanne.
After a nap and lunch, we returned for more Aquarium exploration and later in the afternoon I took a walk into downtown Monterey to check out some of the old Spanish and Mexican architecture and early Californian history. Monterey, like Santa Barbara, has, for the most part, struck a delicate balance between preserving its historical charm and character and catering to the busloads of tourists who come to see the famous sights and experience that charm. Yet, I imagine that this is a constant struggle, as it is in SB. The towns are remarkably similar in their physical beauty, rich history, and walkable size. In addition, both towns are popular weekend destinations for residents of a neighboring major metropolis (SF and LA, respectively) and they struggle with the development and growth that proximity facilitates. The parallels are obvious, but I wonder if the respective city leaders compare notes. I would think they could each learn from the other's successes and failures. But enough lecturing...
Sunday morning, we found an eclectic coffee shop/bookstore in Pacific Grove for some breakfast, and then set out to explore 17 Mile Drive and make a quick run through Pebble Beach and Carmel. We made the requisite stop at the lone pine for a photo shoot, admired the golf courses, and debated whether Carmel was
too cute (though it does have lots of personality.)
We chose to take US 1 back south to experience Big Sur, but unfortunately, the day brought a fairly heavy marine layer, so most of the expansive vistas were obscured by fog. We had a few glimpses of crashing surf, but that was about the extent of the ocean views. We'll just have to do it again someday and maybe stop to see some of those huge redwoods up close. Kristen will tell you (as she volunteered to drive) it is a very, very windy road...
A final highlight was a stop outside San Simeon to see the elephant seal colony on the beach. After a few photos, we jumped back in the car, had lunch at a biker bar and grill in Cambria , and then continued on the return trip to SB. Overall, a great trip - something I know I'd been eager to do for a while - and fun for the three of us to enjoy together. Thanks Kristen for organizing it all! I think we'll definitely go back one day when the kids are older.
The picture just doesn't do this sea dragon justice - truly one of the most incredible animals I've ever seen.
Living artwork. Credit is due to the Aquarium and their amazing display (enclosures, lighting, etc.) of the sea creatures. The best I've ever seen.
The seahorse exhibit was incredible. Absolutely stunning. It also included all of these fascinating facts about males and delivering the babies... Ah, if only... You can tell what was on Kristen's mind that weekend:
Colorful jellyfish.
Cyanne watches for fish in the massive open sea tank.
The Giant Kelp tank. A diver was feeding residents of the tank (bottom left of the second photo).
Cyanne has fun with a "highlights of Monterey" coloring sheet at lunch at the restaurant at the hotel, Schooners Bistro on the Bay. Later, she would throw her mayonnaise on the leg of a woman sitting behind us. Luckily the woman was enjoying a margarita, so it was all good... :)
The wave action/tide pool exhibit was very exciting and big hit. Water crashed over our heads in regular intervals to mimic waves crashing on the shore. Loud and exciting!
Cyanne's methodical approach to eating the apples from the hotel's front desk. I love the little stem sticking up out of the top. She did an amazing job on these apples.
Mugging for the camera:
You'd think we were in the Rockies, but no, this is the Big Sur coastline. Just picture the Pacific Ocean off to the left...
Monterey's trademarked Lone Pine
Elephant seals on the beach near San Simeon:
"Hey! Look at all those seals! Night-night!"
Aawww.... So sleepy...
Max examines the wreath more closely. No, Max, you may not eat those spiders...
