We picked the perfect time to visit Monterey Bay, just before the labor day crowds. In fact, on our way home last Saturday, we saw bumper-to-bumper traffic on the southbound lanes of 101 and the other highways leading into Monterey.
So, we were lucky.
We loved running by the bay, breathing in that ocean air as we got our adrenaline pumping. I don’t think I’ll ever get tired as staring at these bay views by Cannery Row.
There’s something about being next to big bodies of water that helps me feel peaceful and grounded. In Evanston and Chicago, I got that peaceful feeling after staring at Lake Michigan and the Chicago River. In Southern California, I love how I feel next to the Pacific Ocean in Newport Beach. In New York, I’m always blown away by the power and epic size of Niagara Falls. In Ixtapa, I got my inner-peace-groove on by doing yoga next to the Pacific.
Good times!
OK, this slideshow has the rest of our pictures from our Monterey vacation.
MONTEREY - It’s the last day of our vacation. I woke up at 5 AM and I felt relaxed. Typically, my body senses I slept in and sounds a panic alarm for being late for work. I suppose it will take a day or two before I sync up with my graveyard schedule.
On this vacation, we got lucky with the beautiful weather. We had a blast exploring Cannery Row, the Aquarium and Carmel Valley. I stuffed myself silly on all the fresh, tasty seafood. We got tipsy on all the amazing local wines.
Most importantly, I bowled a 137-point game last night at Monterey Lanes. Bam!
I love Monterey Bay. I wish we could stay longer. This place holds a special spot in my heart because we did our first vacation/working trip in Downtown Monterey nearly 8 years ago. Back then, Cannery Row was still a kitschy tourist trap and the wine region was a hidden gem. Now, thanks to sleek new hotels like the Intercontinental - The Clement, Steinbeck’s waterfront haunt is taking on a classy veneer. Plus, vino fans have discovered the Carmel Valley wineries. I think the heart and soul of Monterey hasn’t changed. It’s a place for fresh ocean breezes, underwater adventures and easy-going hospitality.
I feel refreshed and ready to take on the other crazy day in the newsroom.
