Our California Trip: 17 Mile Drive and Point Lobos State Reserve

We had a great time exploring some truly scenic spots. First of all, we coughed up about $10 to be able to drive the 17 Mile Drive. There were a lot of beautiful beaches & we were there at twilight which made some of the lighting tricky, but pretty.





We watched the sunset from Bird Rock & kept our eyes open at the right time & saw the rumored "green flash". I'd've thought we were imagining things, except we both exclaimed "OH!" at the exact same time! Sorry -- no photo of it -- it really did last something like a third of a second!

We made our way around the point & were able to see the Lone Cypress, just before the light failed altogether.



Then, on winding roads in the dark, Ken's sense of direction prevailed & we made it back to Pacific Grove!

The next day, after our 2nd Aquarium jaunt, we went to Point Lobos, where we picnicked near China Cove. It was just delightful!



At Chuck & Mary Ann's urging (they'd done some exploring while we lingered at the picnic table and soaked up the beautiful vistas), we went on a short hiking trail that overlooked some sea caves.



Yeah, amazing, right? We overheard one person saying he'd been to this spot many times before and the color had never been so pronounced, nor the water as clear! See the spots on the beach in the above photo? Look at what they are!



Mama Harbor Seals and their pups!!! We loved watching them frolic in the water. The pups would cry out or get stuck & the moms, like all moms everywhere, would just look at them as if to say "are you freakin' kidding me???" and then they'd patiently nudge them where they were supposed to be.

After an enjoyable couple of hours, we decided it was time to set out for the San Joaquin Valley & Tenaya Lodge ... and from there ... Yosemite!