#26 Mar 2014 OMGod what a Beautiful World you have Created!

Bug Sur coastline defies description. Every picture you have ever seen of the rugged, awe-inspiring California coast must come from Big Sur!

We checked the weather forecast carefully hoping for a sunny, blue-sky day for our drive south from Monterey and Carmel. It was indeed a sunny day but the ocean pounds against the sand and cliffs and the spray creates a haze in many places.

For miles we stopped at every viewpoint and were awed by the power and majesty of the ocean and the coast.

Since 1889 this lighthouse has stood sentinel to warn ships of the treacherous water ahead.

As we were talking to a park interpreter we learned that the road to Pfeiffer Beach had just re-opened that day after a forest fire.

The one-lane road winds beside a stream with a few homes occupied and unoccupied along the way.

The water is unpredictable and savage. Even when it appears calm a riptide can come in and cause destruction.

The sand, however, is intriguing and truly as purple as these pictures.

The day we visited Carmel By The Sea was gray and foggy so we HAD TO browse through the shops. An enjoyable day but not photogenic.

On our way back from Big Sur we went to the beach in Carmel and watched the sunset.

Once again a day to remember!

#25 Mar 2014 Monterey Bay Area

Monterey Bay area has inspired countless artists from painters to poets to writers such as Robert Louis Stevenson and John Steinbeck.

Steinbeck was born and raised in the Monterey/Salinas area and drew much of his inspiration for his novels from the land and people of his home and countryside.

In 1960 Steinbeck drove this truck and camper around the US to reconnect with the people who were the strength and character of his country. “Travels with Charley In Search of America” was the result of his trip.

This trip is our exploration of the world around us and this blog helps us share our experiences with family and friends.

The influence of the ocean is visible around every corner. Pier 1 on Old Fisherman’s Wharf has the shops and restaurants and whale watching tours.

Ralph tried to help this fisherman but was too late.

Pier 2 has the fishermen with commercial and public sales. Some of the fishers (sea lions) were well fed and resting under the pier. PS: Ralph was holding the back of my jeans when I took these photos!

Cannery Row was the heart of the fishing industry until over-fishing led to the end of the sardine bounty. In the 1950’s Monterey turned to tourism which has flourished.

Nearby Castroville is the “Artichoke Center of the World”. We learned that they grow on bushes, are harvested a few times a year and the plants produce for 2 to 3 years. Another piece of trivia we will try to retain.

In Moss Landing the sea lions seemed to be calling someone on the boats but no one answered.

This otter was enjoying lunch.

#24 Mar 2014 Whales, Dolphins and SEA LIONS!

We stayed at the Salinas/Monterey KOA Resort for a week. This park has the best internet and cable TV of our trip. We spent hours on Skype and usually had good service. It was a great opportunity to catch up with family and friends.

We have often looked longingly at whale watching tours around Vancouver; however, we know the chance of seeing a whale is less than 100%. In the Monterey area there are so many migrating whales the tours almost always see whales. Our biggest decision was which tour company to choose, small or large boat, top deck viewing (which costs more), 3, 4 or 5 hour tour. We chose the big 100’ boat with top deck viewing and a 3 hour cruise (not to Gilligan’s Island which is in Hawaii).

Gray whales are migrating north past Monterey Bay at this time of year. From about 100 yards away we watched 4 gray whales for half an hour as they came up to blow.

Then they would dive and disappear for 2 or 3 minutes. As they age the gray whales bodies become white with scars from fighting and mottled with barnacles. Gray whales rarely breach the water completely so we only saw their backs and occasionally their tails.

The top deck view was worth it as we had a much better view of the whales and dolphins. When they swim just under the surface of the water their bodies create a green glow from the reflected sunlight.

We saw a group of 8 Rossi dolphins who were on a route different from ours so we enjoyed them for a few minutes but again they did not breach the water.

It was a sunny day in Monterey but foggy out to sea; however, the Skipper found his way home without mishap.

Around Fisherman’s Wharf the sound of the sea lions is deafening sometimes. This breakwater is covered with sea lions, cormorants and the occasional habour seal.

They are everywhere around the water and on every flat surface they can access.

We could not see the bottom layer of sea lions so can only guess there were at least 30 on this float.

All together an amazing day!

#23 Feb 2014 Loofas, Ostriches and Both Ends of the Rainbow!

Loofa Farm! Yes, loofas are farmed just like zucchinis or cucumbers.

Years ago when I first purchased a loofa I was told it was like a sponge from the ocean and used to exfoliate skin. Loofas are farmed just like any vegetable. Who knew? Not me!

The loofa farm was free and very informative. We also visited an ostrich farm, learned very little and paid $4 each to look at ostriches and emus. Live and learn!

We have been traveling for over 2 months. It has been a time of learning and adjusting, sometimes better than other times. When someone starts a new job/relationship/direction in life there is often a time after 6 to 8 weeks when they wonder if they have made the right choice. Our question was along the lines of “Can we continue to live together 24/7 and still love one another?” A few days ago we realized that we were both feeling “confined” and needed to open up to one another. We had reverted to old habits of not listening carefully. We needed to remind ourselves that we both want this travel but not always in the same way at the same time. Patience and open hearts! We love each other and this lifestyle.

March 1st we headed north to Salinas. This rainbow along the highway reminded us to trust in God's promise to always be with us. He will guide us if we listen.

#22 Feb 2014 Hearst Castle and Zebras!

Yes, we found the answer to the zebra mystery. Read on!

Financially, Randolph William Hearst was very successful and he wanted to build his idea of a European castle on the ranch his father had started. In 1919 at age 56, he started creating his vision high on a hill near San Simeon, California.

The day we visited the Castle was the first day of rain in months so we bought some pictures to show the place on a beautiful, sunny California day.

On the ranch Hearst had a zoo with exotic animals such as polar bears, camels and yes, zebras. Due to the economic times, in1936 Hearst started to sell some of the exotic animals. The zebras had adapted to the ranch and grazed with the cattle and were never sold. Today they still roam with the cattle and impress passers-by.

Casa Grande, the castle, was the centre of hospitality for the Hearst family and guests who included Hollywood stars, Presidents and business tycoons. The evening would begin in this great room which is larger than many modern homes.

About 9 PM dinner would be served in the refectory.

Yes, that is Heinz ketchup and mustard in their store bought containers. Hearst loved the history and style of Europe but this was a working ranch and he wanted everyone to remember where they were.

The formal gardens are beautiful and connect all the buildings and the Neptune Pool.

Three guest cottages contain bedrooms, bathrooms and sittings rooms. All guest were required to go to the main house for their meals, even coffee or snacks. This was not a hotel.

The indoor Roman Pool is breathtaking. There are over a million one inch Murano glass tiles, some of which contain a layer of gold leaf inside.

From the hilltop you can see for miles, and miles and miles.