Greetings from Monterey
After eight days and 2967 miles on the road we have arrived at Monterey. The drive up the Pacific Coast Highway from San Luis Obispo was amazing. This must be one of the top five most beautiful places in America.
Driving the Pacific Coast Highway was the main purpose of our trip, and we are not disappointed. It's even more beautiful than I expected. The road follows the coastline where the mountains meet the ocean, and is dotted with a few quaint little fishing/tourist towns along the way. The ocean, rugged beach, and mountain views are incredible.
We were lucky to be passing through San Simeon during elephant seal molting season. The beaches near the Piedras Blancas lighthouse were literally covered with seals. This was a real treat and the highlight of the drive.
I first spotted three or four seals way off shore in a huge kelp bed. I watched them for a while, barely able to stand in what seemed to be fifty-mile-per hour winds, trying to get a good photo. Then some guy came back up from this small cove a hundred yards or so down the beach and said I needed to go down there. I was greeted by the sight of dozens of seals sunning on the beach and playing in the surf. I took some photos, and we headed on northward.
About a half-mile later, there was a big pullout where lots of people were parked and milling about an observation deck built along the beach. We pulled in and were amazed to see thousands of elephant seals covering the beaches as far as you could see.
We watched for a while and observed some of the young males (as I learned later) practicing their dominance combat rituals in preparation for mating season. The ritual involves slamming together and slashing at each other with their sharp teeth. It was fascinating to watch.
After that, we continued on up the coast. After eight days on the road, staying in some so-so hotels and finding only fast food at times, we decided we needed a break in more plush surroundings. And room service. So, we ended up at the Hyatt Monterey Resort in Monterey. It's pretty nice. I think we're going to stay here for a couple of days to take a break from the road and see the sights around Monterey, Carmel, and Big Sur. After that, on to San Francisco and points unknown.
Some photos:
San Luis Obispo Mission
Beach flower, Pismo Beach
Elephant seal, Piedras Blancas
Elephant seals, Piedras Blancas
Elephant seals, Piedras Blancas
View from the Pacific Coast Highway
View from the Pacific Coast Highway
Page: Index Prev Next 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28