Weekend in Monterey

Earlier this week, Pam made reservations at a Victorian style hotel in Monterey which included a 2-day pass to the Monterey Bay Aquarium. It was a nice surprise since I love taking overnight trips. The 1.5 hour drive down was a little trying as JC was very cranky and cried and screamed the majority of the way down. When we got there, we checked in and went immediately to the aquarium. It was extremely busy and it was hard to see much with the throng of people around. We managed to see most of the aquarium though, but promised to make it back earlier the next day (Sunday). We had dinner that night in Monterey and I was able to sample some local wines - great thing about California is that almost everywhere you go is considered wine country. Had some great wine made in Santa Barbara county (of Sideways fame). Our hotel was right downtown which made the street noise very loud in our room. In my younger, wilder days this would've been a cool scene, but in my new life it was just plain irritating. Up early the next day and right to the aquarium the moment it opened. Much better, much nicer. Almost felt like we had the place to ourselves. This is where the pictures and videos came from since there were few people in that early. Overall a great weekend (except for the weather - all of the coastal cities: Monterey, Half Moon Bay, Pacifica, etc) are typically socked in fog all summer long. I missed the sun!! Lucky, once you drive a few miles inland, it's back to abundant sunshine which it was when we got home. As Mark Twain said - the coldest winter I've ever spent was the summer in San Francisco.

I have a feeling in about 18 years, I will be driving down to Monterey quite a bit to watch my son on the pro tour at Pebble Beach where he'll shatter Tiger's record. Enjoy.