Tuesday December 27, 2011
Boulder, Colorado
Cold and Sunny
A few weekends ago, Yuki and I were invited to Pebble Beach by my BFF Sandra. Joining us was Marisa, Sandra's neighbor in Cabo. As both Sandra and Marisa are golfers, their plan was to golf Pebble Beach while I planned to relax and explore the area. I haven't been to the Monterrey Peninsula in over 30 years and have forgotten how beautiful it is. The drive up was easy and smooth and took about 6 hours. Yuki was a bit jumpy at first... but learned to relax in the car. I'm also very surprised how well she adjusted to spending a few nights outside of her comfort zone. It helped a lot that the area is arguably the most dog friendly area in America.
Driving up Coast Highway from Malibu to catch the 101 in Ventura. Beautiful day, beautiful drive.
We made one rest stop - Cachuma Lake
We drove through Santa Ynez valley and the grape vines have all turned red or yellow. Gorgeous!
We arrived at Pebble Beach around 4pm on Friday. As Sandra had to work a bit, and Marisa was at the spa, Yuki and I decided to take a walk along Carmel Beach. Dogs are allowed and boy, there were many friendly dogs. Below is a view of the Pebble Beach Golf Course from the beach. The fog was rolling in as it was late afternoon.
I had Yuki on a leash first but she very quickly got the hang of things so let her off the leash. She had a fabulous time and made many friends.
We stayed long enough to enjoy the sunset.
For our first night in the area, we drove to Monterey and ate at a fish restaurant on the wharf. As it was the first weekend in December, some of the boats were lit up for X'mas.
The next day, while Sandra and Marisa golfed, I drove the famous 17 mile drive. It was gorgeous! It truly is one of the most beautiful places and drives in the world. Below are some highlights.
The ocean.
Monterey Cypress Forest: The trees were almost extinct but are now thriving thanks to conservation efforts
The famouse Lone Cypress Tree of Carmel
Dense Pine Forest
Yuki and I took a break from the drive and decided to explore the quaint town of Carmel. Yuki did not do too well shopping as many folks wanted to pet her. We, however, found a very nice place for breakfast that had a patio and because it was secluded, we had an enjoyable late breakfast. We then headed for the historic Mission San Carlos. Yuki was very tired by that point so she stayed in the car while I explored the beautiful mission. This mission was first established in 1770s, was destroyed by a tsunami in the late 1800s (yes, there are tsunami's in California), but was rebuilt and is now one of the most beautiful missions in California. It served as the head mission for the upper "Las Californias" headed by Father Junipero Serra. Today, not only is it a church but also a school. It's quite a beautiful mission and I highly recommend a visit if in Carmel.
The mission bell marker
The church
The beautiful grounds
After spending a whole day site-seeing, we rested a bit and then headed out to the famous Pebble Beach Lodge to meet up with Sandra and Marisa. It was my first time to visit the famous place and it lived up to the reputation. I did some Xmas shopping at the gift shop and took some photos of the view. Yuki wanted to stay in the car so I left her there for a snooze while I did the shopping and had a drink with Sandra and Marisa at the bar. We had fun at the bar as we met some guys who were playing a tournament and they were hilarious! They ended up giving us some of their goodies. I got a cap and a sweater. Marisa and Sandra got some golf balls. Crazy way to end a fabulous day!
They next day we got up early, to take a walk along the coast (well, Sandra jogged). Yuki loved walking along the coast and also met several friendly dogs. It was cold but just spectacular.
We then decided to take the beautiful Carmel Valley Road to Ventana Wineries. The drive was spectacular. I have to do it again when the flowers are in bloom. Yuki by then was exhaused so snoozed thru the whole one hour drive. Of course, Sandra and I cannot end a trip without a visit to a winery so we chose Ventana which is one of Sandra's favorites. We did a bit of wine tasting (just a bit as we both had to drive home) but it was well worth it. Yuki even joined us for a bit.
Then it was time for us to say our goodbyes, with me taking the 101 South and Sandra/Marisa taking 101 North. Another great trip with my BFF and new friend Marisa. Looking forward to some more of these adventures ladies!
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