Flowers of California

We’ve made numerous trips to California through the years, and I’ve always loved the flowers.  They are fragrant and lush, with something always blooming.  Our trip to Carmel last weekend didn’t disappoint!  Lauren and I took lots of flower photos.

17 Mile Drive

On our final morning of our trip with Lauren, we ate breakfast, packed our bags, and left the https://www.ticklepinkinn.com/.  We drove through Carmel and entered 17 Mile Drive, a scenic road through Pebble Beach on the Monterey Peninsula, hugging the Pacific coastline and passing through several famous golf courses, mansions and scenic attractions.  We stopped at most of the overlooks, including the most famous Lone Cypress.  

We had a wonderful weekend with Lauren on her “Lulu and Papa trip” to Carmel!

To Big Sur

After breakfast on Sunday morning, we drove down Highway 1 to Big Sur, considered one of the most beautiful drives in the world.  The drive was just over 25 miles, but we stopped at most overlooks and walked down trails and to the beach, so it took us a few hours.  It was a beautiful sunny day. Lauren loved it as much as we did!

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We drove back to Carmel for lunch, a bit more shopping on Ocean Avenue, and then to Carmel Beach, where Lauren had a great time running up and down the dunes.  A good day!

Carmel Mission and Shopping

After breakfast, we played games and sat on our balcony, enjoying the morning.  We left by 10, and went to the Carmel Mission, built in 1797.  We spent over an hour exploring the courtyard, the chapel, and museum.  It is a beautiful place.

Next up, we went shopping in downtown Carmel.  Carmel was founded in 1902 and has always been known as “home to artists.”  We visited lots of art galleries and Lauren shopped for stickers, a sweatshirt, and more.  We had a late lunch at a French restaurant and shopped more.  Lauren and I spent about forty five minutes in the hot tub then went to the wine and cheese reception, before watching a movie.  Another good day!

Weekend with Lauren

We met Lauren in the Phoenix airport this morning, and flew to Monterey, California, to spend the weekend in Carmel/Monterey Peninsula.  We landed just after noon and went for lunch in Monterey, on Cannery Row, then walked down the street to the Monterey Aquarium. We spent over two hours enjoying the sea life exhibits.  

We drove along the coastline of Pacific Grove, with a couple of stops to explore and take photos.  We arrived at our hotel in Carmel Highlands, just after 5 p.m.  We went to the dining deck for late afternoon wine and cheese.  Lauren and I saw a green flash, just as the sun was setting at 5:50.  A first for Lauren!  We watched the movie, Hidden Figures, and relaxed in the evening.  We had a great day!