More about California...

While we were staying at Treebones Resort, we signed up for a 6 hour hike with an outfitting company.  Actually, we really didn't have to hike so long or so far.  Much of the time was spent driving up and down the coast to different locations.  One of our stops involved hiking in a state park where we were able to see the redwood forest.  The picture above is a little blurry, but it gives you an idea of how big these trees can grow.

 Our guide put together a wonderful lunch for us to enjoy at one of the parks.  

Every curve we took on the coast brought another beautiful vista.  We had a wonderful time with our guide and really learned a lot about Big Sur.

After leaving Treebones Resort, we headed back up the coast.  First we stopped at Point Lobos State Natural Reserve and took a tour of the area.  We also had an opportunity to learn a little bit abut Tide Pools with one of the docents that was working in the park that day.

Then, we headed to Mission Ranch in Carmel.  Mission Ranch is a historic ranch that has 31 unique rooms, many with ocean views and fireplaces.  It was purchased and restored by Clint Eastwood when he heard there were plans to tear the property down and build condos on it.  Today, they still have sheep grazing in the fields.  Below are just a few pictures of the buildings on the property.

We spent one night in this historic 1850's farmhouse.  It was charming.  Below is a picture of the common area inside the farmhouse.  

This is a picture of the outdoor dining area.  

While visiting Carmel, we also had a chance to visit the San Carlos Borromeo de Carmelo Mission...otherwise known as the Carmel Mission Basilica.  It was founded in 1771.

Before leaving Carmel, we took one more short trip down the coast to a restaurant that had been recommended by friends.  We had hoped to stop there earlier, but the weather wasn't cooperating so we decided to come back another day.  Nepenthe is a great place...very popular, so you may need to wait for a table, but it's well worth it.  It has a beautiful view of the coast and delicious food.

After our stay in Carmel it was time to head up the coast to Monterey.  Here, we stayed at another AirBnB.  This place was great.  It was tastefully decorated, very comfortable and the owners had lots of good information to share about the area.  Where we stayed was actually part of the original house.  The owners lived in the back where there appeared to be a newer addition.  We highly recommend this place if you decide to visit this area of the state.   

  

We spent four days in Monterey.  We were there to attend the Monterey Jazz Festival and we had a fantastic time.  We took the city bus almost every day which dropped us less than a block from the festival gate. 

We also had the opportunity to visit the Monterey Bay Aquarium.  Our hosts gave us two free passes for free access.

  

Finally, on the way back to the San Jose airport, we stopped at Old Mission San Juan Bautista in San Juan Bautista, Ca.  While there we enjoyed a wonderful lunch in this small historic town.  

What a wonderful trip.  Lance puts so much work into planning every detail.  We are rarely disappointed with the results.