After leaving the House of the Mouse we spent one night in Bakersfield and then headed north again. We took our time traveling and stopped at this San Miguel Mission in Paso Robles. Yes, the area is full of wineries and wine tasting rooms but we passed them by. Nearby we had a picnic and toured an old adobe along the Camino Real, aka the King's Highway, 
which traveled among the missions built by the Franciscans. More photos. We managed to arrive in Carmel Valley in time for a few days at the Laguna Seca race track and the U.S. Grand Prix motorcycle races. More importantly we spent three days visiting with friends Rose, Robert and Bud. On Monday it was time to play tourist again as Bud went home and Robert and Rose went back to work. More photos.
which traveled among the missions built by the Franciscans. More photos. We managed to arrive in Carmel Valley in time for a few days at the Laguna Seca race track and the U.S. Grand Prix motorcycle races. More importantly we spent three days visiting with friends Rose, Robert and Bud. On Monday it was time to play tourist again as Bud went home and Robert and Rose went back to work. More photos.We spent some time on Cannery Row, 
the old part of Monterey made famous in Steinbeck's novel by the same name. The area was first popular as a whaling community, then a tourist town, before the canneries opened in the 1920s to can all the sardines caught in the area. Eventually most of the sardines wound up in cans, the industry died out, and tourism again became the economic boost. Many small shops and restaurants line the streets. More photos.
the old part of Monterey made famous in Steinbeck's novel by the same name. The area was first popular as a whaling community, then a tourist town, before the canneries opened in the 1920s to can all the sardines caught in the area. Eventually most of the sardines wound up in cans, the industry died out, and tourism again became the economic boost. Many small shops and restaurants line the streets. More photos.There is also an historical significance here with a well-done historical tour (photos) that highlights some of the refurbished buildings dating from the late 1840s. It was here the Californian flag was first raised. Nearby is the old wharf, also lined with small shops and restaurants, but a good place to sample clam chowder in a sourdough bread bowl while watching otters swim in the bay. By the end day we settled in at the Veteran's Park rather than drive back to Carmel Valley.
Our first day was a walking tour but on Tuesday we unloaded the bikes and enjoyed the rail trail that parallels the beach a block or so away. We finished our historical tour and then rode over to Pacific Grove. (Photos) This is a town where the Monarch butterflies used
to fill the Eucalyptus trees on their yearly migrations. They still do but there just aren't so many Monarchs. Pacific Grove is a quieter area filled with old Victorian homes where we walked and shopped. It stayed cloudy today and we have been chilly even in jackets!!
to fill the Eucalyptus trees on their yearly migrations. They still do but there just aren't so many Monarchs. Pacific Grove is a quieter area filled with old Victorian homes where we walked and shopped. It stayed cloudy today and we have been chilly even in jackets!! We drove back to the historic district in Monterey for the Tuesday evening Market they have each week. There were plenty of flowers, fruits, vegetables, arts and crafts, and food vendors. We tried some Russian Blintzes and some Falafels and called it supper. (sorry, Mel)
After spending the morning shopping in Monterey we shifted
to Carmel and toured the mission there. It is the second oldest mission in California and where Serra lived until his death. Much of it has been refurbished. Shown is Serra's cell.
After spending the morning shopping in Monterey we shifted
to Carmel and toured the mission there. It is the second oldest mission in California and where Serra lived until his death. Much of it has been refurbished. Shown is Serra's cell.
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