Our Visit To The TomatoFest!
A Weekend Visit To Carmel And The Quail Lodge!
Part Seven: Big Sur
Awards
In other awards, Big Sur was voted "Best Place to Play Hooky," and "Best Romantic Getaway." Big Sur is also home of the "Best Marathon in North America" and the "Best Hotel in North America." Adding to our 'best of' list, Big Sur is now home to the "Best Restaurant in California," per the Zagat Survey. National Geographic Traveler listed Big Sur as one of the "50 Places of a Lifetime/The World's Greatest Destinations."
Our Shots...
Just fantastic views...
Wild life all over the sea
Surveying the situation
Sea Otter's all over the place
No fog.... Yet@
The white is NOT caulk!
Built to last, 1934!
Wonderfully protected habitats!
Just sitting'
The Nepenthe Restaurant
Based on the vision of founders Lolly and Bill Fassett, the family has maintained a commitment to exceptional caring service in a relaxed atmosphere.
Lolly added the Phoenix Shop in 1964 to share the wares and treasures she loved with the world, and in 1992, the Café Kevah opened.
All three businesses are still operated by their children and grandchildren. The traditions of family hospitality are a hallmark of the business.
It is exciting just getting to the top!
Atmosphere all around!
You do need reservations!
We sat outside with a glass ( or two) of wine!
We did not know what this was either??!!??
Great view
The old man has a wine!
And after three wines!
Pink Elephants... OK, Blue Birds!
They were NOT scared!
We offered them a drink!
They liked the hard stuff... All we had was wine!
Wow! They were NOT afraid of anything!
Just fantastic to watch!
Back Down The Highway!
By Bye Birdie(s)
Hugh drinking fountains
To the car!
Stop... "You have NOT taken my picture in over 30 seconds!"
Through Carmel To The 17 Mile Drive
The 17 Mile Drive is a scenic road through Pacific Grove and Pebble Beach, California, United States, much of which hugs the Pacific coastline and passes famous golf courses and mansions. It also serves as the main road through the gated community of Pebble Beach. Like the community, the majority of 17-Mile Drive is owned and operated by the Pebble Beach Corporation. This corporation is currently owned by Plaut Inc. Entry into Pebble Beach costs US$9.25 per automobile. Residents of Pebble Beach and their guests enter for free. Entry is also free for bicyclists and pedestrians. Motorcycles are prohibited from entering 17-Mile Drive.
At the north end, the road originates in Pacific Grove at the intersection of Del Monte Blvd and Esplanade Street. The famous portion of 17-Mile Drive then begins a few miles south of this point. Where Highway 68 (Holman Highway/Sunset Drive) crosses 17 Mile Drive marks the entrance to Pebble Beach. The road runs inland past Spanish Bay, then adjacent to beaches and up into the coastal hills, providing scenic viewpoints. Travel along 17-Mile Drive takes as long as the traveler likes, a minimum of 20 minutes to Carmel without stops. There are numerous turnouts along the road to stop, take pictures, or get out and stroll along the ocean or among the trees. Visitors receive a map that points out some of the more scenic spots.
Chief among these is the Lone Cypress Tree, the official symbol of Pebble Beach and a frequent fixture of television broadcasts from this area.
The Lone Cypress
There are approximately 20 stops along the well marked route, each with a landmark of interest and paved parking for your vehicle. From the trademark Lone Cypress tree to the Restless Sea, Seal Rock to Spanish Bay and Spyglass Hill, if the names of these places don't evoke emotion to the active imagination, the sights, sounds and smells should do the trick. Daylight hours are perfect guarantees to get the stunning photos--but don't miss one of the awesome sunsets. A blazing, golden sun falling into the ocean behind the Lone Cypress (trademark) tree is one of California's most romantic pleasures to be experienced. We are not kidding when we tell you it is trademarked. You cannot use the tree and photos you take of it in promotional materials for anything. If you ask how anybody can own images of nature, the answer is that you are a guest visiting private property owned by the Pebble Beach Company. They have based their logo design on this tree that on our last visit, was held in place by straps as it apparently was beginning to lean. Our photo of a tree is not the Lone Cypress.
Downtown Carlem Buy The Sea
Entering the 17 Mile Drive
Stop #1
She says "Stop"; we stop!
Little houses dot the 17 mile run
Deer Me!
Just sitting and watching the world go by!
He smiled, that was all!
Back In The Silver Bullet
Ready, willing and able!
Fantastic scenery!
The sun was setting!
Last time for the Sea Otter's to come out and play!
Cold!
Heading for home!
Ducks everywhere!
Down the road towards home
Bye golf course!
The
moon was going up!