Leaving Big Sur, we turned our sights to Carmel-by-the Sea where we were going to stop off at Sally’s college roommates home for another driveway surf. The sun was out, and oh what a difference!
Sally catches up with a College Roommate
After a wonderful lunch and little shopping in Carmel-by-the-sea, we headed to Sherry and Kevin’s magnificent place. Sherry explained that the hills the house overlooked were the same hills John Steinbeck wrote about in his poem. She also shared their experience with very scary wildfires on the top of those same hills; and, just how close the fires came to their home. They were forced to evacuate for several days.
Sally went out for dinner with Sherry to catch up (Kevin was working late) while I took advantage of the offered laundromat services and relaxed. Then dear Sherry prepared us a lovely breakfast in the morning, which Kevin also joined. It was really fun to meet such good friends of Sally’s!
As we were getting ready to leave, they generously gave us both a copy of their latest book Organic Disciples: Seven Ways to Grow Spiritually and Naturally Share Jesus. They have written several books! Here is a link to this most recent one.
Thank you for your lovely hospitality, Sherry and Kevin!
Monterey
Leaving the next morning, we went into Monterey. Sherry had arranged passes for the world-class aquarium. Unfortunately, the line was incredibly long so we decided to walk the beach instead since we had both seen it before. I do so love the jelly fish room!
Dottie loved that she was also allowed to walk the area, but there were loud construction sounds which made it less pleasant for her. She is terrified of loud noises, so it was a bit of a struggle with her pulling. Nonetheless, it is a spectacular coast and we managed to enjoy it and even seen some harbor seals.
Unfortunately, our night ended up at Sunset Beach with me dealing with a hacked credit card. So, we did not get to spend any time seeing the beach and there are no pictures of it. Sorry……
Golden Gate and Muir Beach Overlook
The next day was our day to cross the Golden Gate Bridge. It was so nice to have someone with me who could take the pictures as I drove. As we crossed from the south, Sally took these.
I had a neighbor many years ago, who spoke about the statue and plaque that are at this park. Ron sailed to Vietnam from San Francisco and felt he truly left his heart in San Francisco as he watched the shoreline shrink. So, to all you service men and women who sailed from San Francisco, these pictures are for you.
Muir Woods and Muir Beach Overlook
We planned to stop at Muir Woods, a coastal redwood forest after we crossed the bridge. As we neared it, big traffic signs informed us we needed to have a reservation to go to the park. Who would have guessed? So, we drove past it and the lady at the park suggested the beach down the road. Instead we discovered an overlook that made up for it. This was an area used to defend the coast during WW2.
Samuel P Taylor State Park
Making up completely for Muir Woods, we found ourselves camping in a wonderful redwood forest for the night. The smells were wonderfully piney, and Dottie was faithful with her three pees and a poop protocol on the walks. Yes, laugh if you will, she has a pattern. Sally and I laughed about it.
Next morning, we found a wildlife preserve where Dottie could hike and took a wonderful little hike around and through a redwoods area. It felt so wonderful to be back on a trail!
Sonoma Coast State Park
Heading to another beach campground, we drove back to the coast and north of Bodega Bay. This campground was, naturally down in a hollow with no cell service, but was literally sitting on the beach.
Wow what an adventure you are having! Great pictures of California! Very rugged beauty. How nice to have a friend traveling with you 😀Hope you have a great week!
Ah, Sue, the word ruggest is perfect! That is exactly what that coast is! It’s amazingly beautiful! Thanks for following and commenting!