Wednesday, February 20, 2008

California Coast Adventure


For Valentine's Day, Gary planned a trip for us along the California coast. We drove down Highway 1 from Monterey to San Simeon. We had lovely weather and saw all kinds of wonderful wildlife: sea otters, harbor seals, elephant seals, monarch butterflies and even zebras in the wild! We started our trip at the Monterey Bay Aquarium which was wonderful. We especially liked the sea otters because they are such playful and fascinating creatures. Later in the trip, we were lucky enough to see one in the wild!
On our first full day, we drove through the lovely Carmel-by-the-Sea and stopped at the Point Pinos lighthouse and the Monarch butterfly refuge. We then took the scenic drive through ritzy Pebble Beach. I stopped at the Golf resort to use the restroom. I wanted to get baby a tony Pebble Beach onesie but Gary wasn't having it.
We then spent a night in Big Sur and then headed to Hearst Castle in San Simeon. What a fascinating place! Hearst must have loved to entertain! The views were spectacular. We stopped several times along Hwy 1 to look at wildlife. The elephant seals were ashore for mating and eating. I couldn't believe how close we got! We spent the night at Ragged Point and then headed to Point Lobos for a few short wildlife hikes where we saw harbor seals and a sea otter! Now, we can't wait to go back with baby and Grandma!

7 comments:

Alison Gibbs said...

Hi Amy what a fun trip.
Great photo of you.
Alison

Gary said...

What a fun weekend! I recently read a book that mentioned how Monterey is one of the most ecologically diverse areas in the world. With all the wildlife you saw, it's obviously true.

And what a view of the coast! Yes, I wish we had weather like that when you and G took me to Point Reyes (though I have wonderful memories of that day). You look marvelous.

bluemuf said...

What a great weekend. thank you for sharing the pics.

Karen

Mary Isabella and Kiley too! said...

Looks and sounds so very wonderful....Smiles

Heidi said...

Look at you all smiles there on the coast-line! BeautifuL!!!
*Heidi*

HippieDog said...

Oh you are adorable! Glad you had a great time ;)

www.angelinascards.com said...

Amy, you look great! happy mothering to you! Angelina