Coastal meanderings

The heat drives us west, where cool breezes skim off the cold Pacific water. I have the chills for the first time in months. It feels good.

Carmel is the first stop, where pricey shops and tablecloth-bedecked restaurants abound. My first view is a couple dining al fresco, a tiny white poodle sitting on each of their laps. This is Carmel all right.

Beautiful and expensive, Carmel is known for its cypress-lined streets, proximity to Pebble Beach and high-end real estate. Think 1,600 square feet for $2.4 million. We enjoy walking through the neighborhoods, along the beachfront and through the town. After a $60 lunch, we head to Point Lobos to watch the sea lions. For free.

Point Lobos abuts Carmel to the south and is a scenic spot that has been kept free of development. 

Thank you, California, for preserving large portions of your oceanfront. The views are irreplaceable.

Then we took the 10-minute trek north to the famous Monterey Bay Aquarium. There are no words that best describe this place. But the creatures it displays made me believe in legendary sea monsters.

Only advice here is to arrive early. Line up before the aquarium opens because it crowds up quickly and the noise level can be daunting.

Last stop for the extended weekend is Santa Cruz, about 45 miles farther north. If Carmel is the rich old lady (who’s had a little work done) and Monterey is her blowsy daughter, Santa Cruz is the hip, laid-back granddaughter who’s maybe a little high. There’s the boardwalk and rollercoaster, the beaches, and the college-oriented downtown.

Up in the hills, we find a meditation retreat that has something for everyone. I walk the prayer wheel, sound the peace gong and hike to a two-story golden Buddha.

In the past, we’ve visited Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, but our short visit didn’t allow us to return this time. The park features seven square miles of trails and is probably my favorite spot in this region for its pine needle lined paths and old growth redwoods.

It was one of those drive-by vacations where we barely scratched the surface. So much to see and do, we rush in and try to do it all. As usual, it just feels rushed.