Rented e-bikes this morning and biked 17-Mile Drive. Getting started, Ken says: “There might be some sketchy spots along the way with traffic, so be careful.” I really wish he wouldn’t use words like sketchy when he wants me to do adventure stuff.
Turns out: e-bikes are great fun – and I am really good at hills. 😉 Almost crashed a couple of times when I was busy gawking at the homes on Pebble Beach (who lives in these monsters?!?), but managed to keep my balance.
Stopped to see the famous Lone Cypress tree. It’s been there – taking whatever Mother Nature throws at her – since 1750. Poor girl lost one of her limbs in a coastal storm in 2019. I know I’ve got some pics of her in fuller glory – need to dig those up.
Have become good friends with the deer family at our rental house. This is Wayne and Norman.
Went down to the industrial fishing wharf in Monterey to try and see the sea lions who live under the docks there. Hit the sea lion jackpot. They were making this raft shape, which I’d never seen before, and we couldn’t figure it out. Google says this is a way they can rest and regulate their body temperature. Knowledge.
Sidebar: Two of my favorite things about Monterey are the fabulous succulents, and the eucalyptus trees. I thought I might love a eucalyptus tree in my yard. But they are messy as shit, so I will enjoy them here. And buy a eucalyptus candle.
Boys had so much fun with cigars last night, we went back to the cigar store for a re-supply. Have decided I am now collecting cigar boxes. Also: Ken bought me this magnificent cigar box purse. I am fashion.
Zero chance I’m going to be up at midnight tonight, so opened the Champagne early. Well, we tried to. We couldn’t get the cork out of the Champagne, so I sabered it out with a kitchen knife. Mommy has skills.
NYE dinner at Monterey Chart House tonight – another memory place for Ken and I. Happy New Year!
Cheers!
Great photos! I remember the ice plant well in Carmel, even though I was 6 when we moved to Davis. My mother fished often from the wharf in Monterrey. Once her French mother visited from France and we all went to the wharf, and I can kind of remember my grandmother yelling, “Regardez les phoques!” A phoque in English is a seal, but it sounds a lot like the f word.
Phoque – I had no idea! :o) I love ice plant. My husband, however, HATES it because he had to trim it as a kid in southern California.
Good morning from a rather warm Australia . . . loved your photos of the deer and seals and views remembered from travels long ago. E-bikes are getting a bad rap locally at the moment – are regarded as somewhat of a danger to pedestrians and there have been rather a lot of fiery accidents upon charging . . . just quoting the evening news 🙂 !
Good morning, and thanks for stopping by! E-bikes are having a similar moment here in the US. Especially the debate on their use on trails that are marked “no motor vehicles”. Is an e-bike a motor vehicle?? They can be a menace to pedestrians. That said, it’s just about the only way I can keep up with my husband on a bike ride!! 😂 Cheers!!