Monterey Bay ~ Beyond the Aquarium

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As promised, I've finally found time for the last of my 3 Part Series on Monterey.  While the Monterey Bay Aquarium was the primary reason for visiting, the scenic beauty in and around Monterey Bay is not to be missed.

The hotel we stayed in was located right on the beach with a full view of the Monterey Bay shoreline.  The city of Monterey sits a few brief miles to the south, easily within driving and viewing distance.  The upper floors of the hotel offered great viewing of the crashing waves and miles of beach in either direction.

We were able to view fishing trawlers making their way out to sea, watch playful seals riding the waves,





watch other wave watchers
   

 

and witness some awesome sunsets before the night time show of lights from across the bay

The balconies of the hotel were a pristine position to watch the world go by including this squadron of Brown Pelicans.

Seagulls, are of course, the most common bird associated with ocean shores.  They were visible in droves scouring through the sand for whatever they could find along with the black-headed Caspian Terns.

Shore birds are an interesting lot.  We were introduced to a number of common residents while visiting the Aquarium which allowed a close up view and information on their habitats.

The Black Oystercatcher uses his heavy, flat bill to pry shellfish off rocks and to reach in to mollusk shells when closed to sever the muscles. 

                                        

                           Black-necked Stilt  ~ Curlew in background

                                                Black-necked Stilt

                                                    Snowy Plover

                                                        Avocet

                                                              Avocet

The famous 17 Mile Drive was included in our itenerary on both trips to Monterey.  Sweeping ocean views and iconic points of interest along that route are complimented by the greens of 5 golf courses and extravagant homes. 

We entered through the Highway Gate off Highway 1, paid our $10.00 entrance fee and started on the drive down through the Del Monte Forest towards the ocean vistas.  We first stopped at Spanish Bay which offered a great spot to stretch our legs and enjoy a close-up view of the scenic beauty of sand and ocean. 

A wooden walkway extends along the shoreline for those wishing to stroll or hike to the north.  We were content to take in the beautiful sunshine and sand within close proximity of the water just off the parking lot area.

There was no lack of entertainment as we watched a young girl try to anchor her smiley-face umbrella in the sand in conflict to the ocean breeze.

This particular area also appeared to be popular with surfers trying to catch a wave.

Once rested, we continued the 17 Mile Drive route south paralelling the  rugged cliffs and waves crashing against the rocks

Our next stop was Seal Rock which is home to shorebirds, harbor seals and  sea lions.  There were a great number of sea lions spread across Seal Rock with a few seals, Commorants and Pelicans for company.  Boisterous sounds of the bull Sea Lions could be heard across the water to where we were standing on the nearby shore. 

                          A sea lion calls from atop an adjacent rock

Other birds and wildlife make this area their habitat as well.

                             A Squirrel munches on sea kelp.

Fanshell Overlook was our next stop.  This area is a favorite of the harbor seals and is closed April 1 to June 1 during the harbor seal pupping season.  This area offers incredible views of the rocky coast line and imposing homes along its cliffs.  Look closely in the photo below and you can see the seal's heads bobbing in the water.

The wind-shaped Monterey Cypress are visible as part of a beautifully terraced landscape visible from the look out.

We journied on to The Lone Cypress, probably the best known of the sights along the 17 Mile Drive.  This cypress has prevailed for over 250 years on its rocky perch and speaks of the fortitude of the cypress tree's ability to withstand strong winds and adverse weather.  

                  The Lone Cypress is backed by the Carmel Bay

During our most recent visit, we came across these volunteers for the Montery Bay Aquarium that were trying to pick up the transmission on a sea otter they were monitoring.

We took the opportunity at this location to take a few photos of our group which included my Mom, my daughter-in-law Ann, and granddaughter Madison.

Madison, Ann, Mom

Madison, Me, Mom

                       More views view looking across Carmel Bay

Our final stop before heading back to the entry gate was at The Ghost Tree.  The bleached white trunk of this Monterey Cypress that has weathered wind and sea spray has an eerie look about it.

Another view of the Ghost Tree using Kim Klassen's postcard texture.

A view through the cypress looking out towards the ocean past one of the homes on the cliffs.

The breathtaking views of the Pacific Coast along the 17 Mile Drive are wonderful memories.  We were fotunate on both ocassions to have beautiful, sunny weather to enjoy the landscapes enroute. 

Visiting the Aquarium in the morning and the 17 Mile Drive in the afternoon makes for a busy day but we enjoyed every bit of it.   The end of the day is always a treat, looking out across the Monterey Bay.  Clear evenings offer a blast of color while watching the waves go in and out until the grand finale of the golden moment etching the very last reflections of a day done.

Thanks for joining me on this journey.

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