Today started with an extremely LIGHT version of what the inn called their continental breakfast. Not sure what continent would have been well served by their outlay, perhaps someplace where people don't like to eat much at all. Steve, of course, found something to grab and take with him while I picked up a granola bar that would end up being my supper later tonight. We quickly packed up our bags again (which we are getting quite good at doing quickly) and got our directions headed to the Monterey Aquarium What an interesting thing to find parking, it seems, in most of the cities in California. I don't know if they just ran out of room as they came to the ocean or what, but parking is usually limited and at a premium price. Speaking of prices, the gas we bought yesterday was $4.69 a gallon...we actually saw it for $6.79 a gallon on the lone, deserted area of the Pacific Coast Highway. So glad we didn't have to buy any out there. Steve would likely not have been able to finish the trip.
The aquarium was all that we expected and more. We were among the first arrivals (I know, a shock) so we were able to enjoy most of it before the school groups began to arrive later. I took way too many photos, but there was just so many cool and interesting things to see. They also have a research facility here that works to conserve the marine wildlife. We bought Reid a stuffed turtle that I hope he will enjoy snuggling with.
Many photos don't really need a caption. I will try to edit their numbers so you all won't go to sleep while viewing them!
Cute penguins seemed to enjoy entertaining the people as much as we enjoyed watching.
Penguins lined up for lunch.
View from the upper balcony of the Monterey Aquarium. It was one of the best I've ever seen.
Steve looking out on the Monterey Bay.
Amazing things that are hard to believe they are alive!
Tiny shrimp with enormous antennae like projections.
This was the extremely amazing two story viewing chamber of life outside of the aquarium in the Monterey Bay.
Sardines (I think!)
Okay, so I have to admit I MAY have taken about 30 photos of jellyfish in various sizes and colors. They are just amazing to watch!
A type of jellyfish that is transparent and can almost disappear in the ocean.
Okay...these guys scare me. I do NOT want to run into one in the water!!
This guy was so curious and kept coming right up to the glass for a close-up photo!
And we all know how I feel about these fellows! Yikes!
More sardines. Steve asked for crackers...just kidding.
Weedy sea dragon...and yes, they're alive! So weird!!!
Interesting shrimp like thing...bright crimson red.
Seahorses also look fake, but they are real!
Shrimp. These were huge!
Leafy sea dragons...I must have been fascinated by them also because I took a lot of photos of them!
Yellow fin tuna.
These birds did not seem to care that people were everywhere.
A great deal of the aquarium was dedicated to educating people about how our trash has a negative impact on ocean life.
I wish the kids had been doing this when growing up--a wave wall that you can stand under to see the impact of the wave. Children there were loving it! And then the outside view of the wave tunnel.
This should be a postcard...so lovely in Monterey!
Statue of John Steinbeck. We actually know his grandson, Michael Steinbeck and were surprised to see the resemblance!
And of course pretty flowers everywhere!
I don't think California knows it is October....look at these flowers!!!
Picked up yummy yogurt here thanks to Rachel's recommendation!
We just happened by this restaurant where they were giving out samples of clam chowder outside. Steve was hooked. It was PERFECT! Beautiful view of the bay, good service and yummy food. Yes, I even took photos of the food....nothing left out of the blog for this trip!
Great views all along the Pacific Coast Highway as we continue our journey up the coast towards San Francisco and San Rafael.
One of my personal favorite photos of the trip so far. Steve and I rolled up our pants legs and walked in the freezing ocean. We, of course, managed to also step on some sticker plants on our way back to the car!
Cold Cold Cold!
A lighthouse...no clue which one it is.
We managed to hit San Francisco around 5:00 pm traffic time. It was crazy negotiating the exits while Steve drove in 10 lane traffic. Reminded us of Boston! So relieved to finally get to the hotel. Four Points Sheraton at San Rafael. Best guest care I've ever seen. The AC unit wasn't really cooling and they came in and replaced the entire thing. We had leftover food from the yummy lunch and there wasn't a microwave in the room. We called to ask about it and they just brought one up for us! Then they also brought us forks to eat it with. They are likely glad to see us leave. Watched some of the Cardinals playing the Giants in the playoffs. Funny that we are surrounded by Giants fans here! Good night all.
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