Day Two on the Monterey Peninsula turned out to be just as fabulous as Day One. We started out the morning with an amazing breakfast -- see below.
I was already secretly excited to see Cannery Row and see if Lee Chong still had his store or if Mack and the boys were still there trying to do something nice for Doc. Didn't see them, but it had already a thrill to drive near Salinas where John Steinbeck was born and get a feel for the areas where Grapes of Wrath, Of Mice and Men and Cannery Row were penned. Very interesting for me! I'm a nerd, I know. So fun to be on Cannery Row!
Steinbeck like most authors always included a big share of his political views and I never taught Cannery Row, but remembered there wasn't much of a plot. I remember as a 20 something feeling sad for him because he didn't believe in a hereafter. Too fatalistic for me and I think that can be seen in all of his works. However, I did love Of Mice and Men and Grapes of Wrath and taught them when I was a 20 something. Just like any good pieces of literature, Steinbeck could put you right in the scene. And that's what I felt on Cannery Row. I imagined him right there on the street. Of course it wasn't called Cannery Row until he wrote his novel.
I should also tell you that Mark Twain penned his Notorious Jumping Frog of Calavaras County near here. Ha Ha! I am so full of wonderful information, but before I embark on an English lesson, I need to get back to Monterey. The town was very interesting and inviting so someday I will be back to really explore. Lots of shops to poke around in. Sounds fun right! Well not to four children and two husbands.
We drove by this lighthouse, but it wasn't open. A small lighthouse in comparison to some I've toured. Very quaint.
The Monterey Bay Aquarium is along this area. The kids have been to the famous aquarium with school trips. The aquarium is world famous. Shelly went with two of the school trips and said it is well worth the visit. We will get back to that also.
Then we headed south to Pebble Beach. The 17 mile drive was beautiful and captivating. We stopped at a beautiful scenic view pull out to let everyone explore.
Rich and I with Emery. I couldn't explore. Look at the shoes
Carsen
Jeremy, Emery and Tanner
Emery and Jeremy ran into a swarm of bugs, but no bites!
Tanner and Carsen
Tanner
The Crowley Gang spent lots of time exploring the rocks. We moved the cars down to where the explorers had moved. It was quite a ways. After about an hour I asked Jeremy if we should go and he looked at me quizzically and said, "Already"?" Some things never change so I said, "No, keep exploring with your kids." And he did.
So they finally pulled away from the exploring and we were on our way again.
Rich noticed an RV in the turn out that was parked and had its solar panels sitting on the ground getting juiced up. It was a funny sight. Only in California.
We passed several sets of golfers at the golf courses in Pebble Beach. I thought we were in Scotland with the knee britches, argyles, sweaters and golf hats. I did check the green fee. Hmm $500. That includes the cart of course, I have a great picture of Dad, Mike and Darryl playing at Pebble Beach. It's really fun to see.
The homes along both sides of the road were spectacular to see. A lot of money along 17 mile drive. We pulled out to go into Carmel. I was expecting a welcome from Clint Eastwood, but he was no where to be seen. Carmel also looked like a place that would be fun to explore. Lots of fun shops.
This is the Carmel Mission. We didn't go in, but the outside was beautiful. It is one of the oldest
missions in the US. It was built in the 1770s by the Spanish and still has services today along with funerals and weddings.
I'll be back to check out these interesting places. There was so much to see, but that's another trip. This is the area where Uncle Kenny did basic training at Fort Ord and was one of the Presidios along the California coast.
Then back to Fresno and only one day left of our visit. What a great weekend we had. Fresno is a fun town. I think I could live there. Rich says I say that about every place I visit, but Fresno has my kids and grand kids! And no humidity.
We flew out early Tuesday morning and had a layover in Salt Lake. Here is the sun setting in the West as we head East.
Then, the next morning we awoke to these beautiful flowers. Yes, I'm now a gardener and was a little bit excited to see how the flower beds were doing.
Here are my daisies. I love them. I haven't planted black eyed susans yet, but will be looking for them.
Day lilies!
We are already lonesome for the CA Crowleys, but are excited to see the rest of the gang here on the 4th. Plus Ross will be coming! What a great June.
We had a perfect spot for the eight of us over by the window in the corner. We didn't have the fancy tablecloths and chair covers but the ambiance was wonderful. There were several breakfast buffets and two chefs for made to order breakfasts. The kids were in heaven and so were the adults. Our faces were beaming with delight. What a fun breakfast celebration., We kept ordering and ordering.
Tanner kept going back and back and would come back with a huge grin on his face with a plate full of food.. So cute. Who knew breakfast could be so much fun! We were treated royally.
We were all just astounded at how much we enjoyed the wonderful treatment at the Sequoia!
We headed toward Pebble Beach and drove through here on the way.
I was already secretly excited to see Cannery Row and see if Lee Chong still had his store or if Mack and the boys were still there trying to do something nice for Doc. Didn't see them, but it had already a thrill to drive near Salinas where John Steinbeck was born and get a feel for the areas where Grapes of Wrath, Of Mice and Men and Cannery Row were penned. Very interesting for me! I'm a nerd, I know. So fun to be on Cannery Row!
Steinbeck like most authors always included a big share of his political views and I never taught Cannery Row, but remembered there wasn't much of a plot. I remember as a 20 something feeling sad for him because he didn't believe in a hereafter. Too fatalistic for me and I think that can be seen in all of his works. However, I did love Of Mice and Men and Grapes of Wrath and taught them when I was a 20 something. Just like any good pieces of literature, Steinbeck could put you right in the scene. And that's what I felt on Cannery Row. I imagined him right there on the street. Of course it wasn't called Cannery Row until he wrote his novel.
I should also tell you that Mark Twain penned his Notorious Jumping Frog of Calavaras County near here. Ha Ha! I am so full of wonderful information, but before I embark on an English lesson, I need to get back to Monterey. The town was very interesting and inviting so someday I will be back to really explore. Lots of shops to poke around in. Sounds fun right! Well not to four children and two husbands.
We drove by this lighthouse, but it wasn't open. A small lighthouse in comparison to some I've toured. Very quaint.
Then we headed south to Pebble Beach. The 17 mile drive was beautiful and captivating. We stopped at a beautiful scenic view pull out to let everyone explore.
I wore. Not good for rocks. It didn't stop Em tho'.
Carsen
Jeremy, Emery and Tanner
Emery and Jeremy ran into a swarm of bugs, but no bites!
The Crowley Gang spent lots of time exploring the rocks. We moved the cars down to where the explorers had moved. It was quite a ways. After about an hour I asked Jeremy if we should go and he looked at me quizzically and said, "Already"?" Some things never change so I said, "No, keep exploring with your kids." And he did.
So they finally pulled away from the exploring and we were on our way again.
Rich noticed an RV in the turn out that was parked and had its solar panels sitting on the ground getting juiced up. It was a funny sight. Only in California.
We passed several sets of golfers at the golf courses in Pebble Beach. I thought we were in Scotland with the knee britches, argyles, sweaters and golf hats. I did check the green fee. Hmm $500. That includes the cart of course, I have a great picture of Dad, Mike and Darryl playing at Pebble Beach. It's really fun to see.
This is the Carmel Mission. We didn't go in, but the outside was beautiful. It is one of the oldest
missions in the US. It was built in the 1770s by the Spanish and still has services today along with funerals and weddings.
Then back to Fresno and only one day left of our visit. What a great weekend we had. Fresno is a fun town. I think I could live there. Rich says I say that about every place I visit, but Fresno has my kids and grand kids! And no humidity.
We flew out early Tuesday morning and had a layover in Salt Lake. Here is the sun setting in the West as we head East.
Back to Virginia. We got stuck in the Atlanta airport with a delay, but finally got home to Charlottesville with our chauffeur waiting at the curb. Thanks Matt!
Here are my daisies. I love them. I haven't planted black eyed susans yet, but will be looking for them.
This is my little hydrangea bush. I didn't think it was alive, but look how beautiful.
We are already lonesome for the CA Crowleys, but are excited to see the rest of the gang here on the 4th. Plus Ross will be coming! What a great June.
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