17 Mile Drive, Of Course

Sunday, December 30th

What ride to do on our last day of our weekend getaway?  17 mile drive, of course.  Each year, I try to take photos of a different view.  Not a hard thing to do since every view is stunning and there's so much to take in.

We were lucky that there was no wind and the sky was mostly blue.  Traffic was light as well.

It was colder than yesterday with a high of 59.  My wool jersey, leggings and gloves kept me toasty.

Boy we had fun not only because it is always spectacular but also because the road is in good condition, allowing a smooth ride with fast descents.

A view from someone's home. 

We did 22 miles.  A parting shot of Lone Cypress in Pebble Beach.  Farewell til the next time.

Cachagua Loop Finally

Saturday, December 30th

Last year, we had to abort our planned ride to do Cachagua Loop in Carmel Valley due to road works.  See this blog for details and photos.  When we selected the route for this year from this website of rides to do in Monterey, we didn't connect the dots that it was the same ride.  So, it was a delightful surprise that this year, we were finally going to do the loop.  This guy also has a good write up for rides in Carmel Valley/Cachagua and some nice photos, too.

We might not have done it this year had I listened to The Boyfriend (I normally don't anyway) who thought we should turn one way once in Carmel Valley Village when in fact, we needed to go in the opposite direction.  Here I am finally making it up the big climb.  It's like Reynolds in Los Gatos.  The BF, ahead of me as usual, waited at the summit.  Some babes in a convertible let The BF know I was arriving soon.  Sweet. 

It's a super 28 mile ride going between valleys, vineyards, and farms.  I can't believe we didn't capture how green it was, thanks to recent rains.  Sigh.  We passed a place called the Earth Station.  Of course that's code for where they take the aliens.... Meanwhile, about 6 miles to go before arriving at the start, The BF had a flat in his tubeless tire.  Wow, he had the repair done in minutes.  Impressive.  The ride tired me out.  Rollers always do.  And I am not in shape. Still, it felt great to be out on the bike and with The BF (no doubt still dreaming about the babes in the convertible).  We felt content.

A Stay in Butterfly Town, USA

Saturday, December 30th

This year for our December cycling adventure, The Boyfriend and I are staying at Butterfly Grove Inn on Lighthouse Ave in Pacific Grove.  Our cottage is almost the size of my condo and has vaulted ceilings as well.  I love it.  It's also quiet and very pink.  I love it.

Even better, we're right next door to the Monarch Butterfly Sanctuary!  Did you know that The Pacific Grove Police Department enforces strict regulations that prohibit the "molestation of butterflies."

 

We ate dinner at the Monarch Pub.  The Boyfriend declared their fish and chips excellent. Afterwards, we walked over to P.G. Juice n Java.  We both had the same thought:  the artwork, no not the elves, reminded us of a cross between Mondrian and Miro with perhaps a touch of Picasso.  Next up, time to blog about our biking today.

Monterey May Not Have Snowflakes

Friday, December 28th

Monterey is always a destination and certainly ideal for a biking getaway in December.  The Boyfriend and I have been doing this for years, taking in the attractions and great cycling routes. Wish we had arrived in this car!  Tonight we walked along Cannery Row in the evening with friends. 

We arrived just as the sun was setting.  We had a swell time at Bubba Gumps, a restaurant I've always wanted to try.

Afterwards, a short walk along the beach.

A festive fun evening came to a close.  We relied on Lyft this year to take us to and from our lodgings.  Wish it had been that car I snapped to take us back!  Tomorrow we head over to Carmel Valley Village for some cycling.  Can't wait!

Christmas 2018

I like to spend Christmas alone watching movies, reading and getting some exercise, weather permitting.  Most years, I visit Half Moon Bay and do a walk along the bluffs, marveling at the stunning views that Mother Nature offers. The last few years, I've had company in the form of my friend, Miss P. and that's been swell.

I don't need presents (though I'm not one to say no should you give me one) and I don't want drama.  I, do, however, like the dramatic.  And thus, Half Moon Bay, always delights.  This year, it was quite chilly and the wind gusty.  The waves were foamy and the beaches not accessible.

It was, as I like to spend it, a delightful day, though, I might liked to have dialed down the wind factor a bit.  The year is coming to a close.  I do so hope for all of us that 2019 is a peaceful one.  Meanwhile, Happy Holidays.