Monterey

On Friday around noon, a storm rolled into the Peninsula, and as it poured rain I gathered my children and packed the Suburban. We headed a few miles down the Peninsula, and my cousin and her kids joined our excursion. Six kids and two women embarking on a road trip to Monterey Bay.

My GPS was unknowingly set to the shortest route, so we meandered through the maze of byways as we journeyed, and Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman entertained the kids. The rain came and went but the grey clouds hung overhead. Nonetheless, we were cozily tucked in together for the start of our weekend adventure. Conversations flowed easily and comfortably, and eventually we arrived at our destination for the night. The storm had just passed through Monterey ahead of us. The kids tumbled out ready to embrace any adventure. They swam together as we awaited the arrival of their fathers who left after work.

Later in the evening, we dined together and the paper-lined tabletops were extensively decorated by the kids in their own voices.

The dawn of a new day brought us to Point Lobos State Park.



At our first stop in Whaler's cove, we watched the otters and their babies play in the water. The seals would poke their snouts above the surface from time to time. The mother otter would call when her rambunctious youngster would wonder too far. He would poke his nose above the surface and as soon as he identified his mother he would quickly dive beneath the swirling water and pop up quickly at her side. Then the otter family would roll and play.

The ocean was roaring with swells of 13 feet, but the smiles prevailed...complete with braces!



As we hiked along the coast, we uncovered the wonders of nature in spring.



We meandered the mossy coastal woods.



Little imps appeared from time to time after scampering along the trails.



The majestic power of the ocean rolled into the craggy cliffs.



Nature's sculpture was breath-taking.



Carefully hidden amongst the trees, the doe carefully watched us.



Afterwards, we had lunch on Cannery Row in Monterey where we could see the otters playing again from the windows. Then we explored the Aquarium that showed us the hidden wonders beneath the bay.

We topped off the evening at Ghiradelli's for ice-cream before tumbling exhausted back into the Suburban. The screens played as the lull of the wipers accompanied quiet heartfelt conversation.

A magnificent weekend adventure ended too quickly...



and the rambunctious smiles were still willingly shared at the end of the day!