Before I completely dismiss it, here is a shot of one of the myriad stained-glass windows at the Winchester Mystery House. I took some nice outdoor pictures with Bryan's camera, but can't download them to my computer. Oh, well. The house was so convoluted, I swear you could meet yourself coming and going.
We left San Jose this morning and drove to Santa Cruz, where we got our first taste of the coast. We saw the campus of UCSC, which was beautiful and loaded with redwoods.
We went to Natural Bridges State Beach to see the monarchs. They arrive every fall to overwinter in the eucalyptus grove. There were about 500 there by the ranger's count, but will number in the 10s of 1000s when they all arrive.
On the ocean end of the park was the natural bridge. I guess there were 3 at one time, but only this one is left.
It cost $7.00 to get into the park (for parking), but the ticket is good all day for all the other parks visited. Of course, we didn't visit another today!
We stopped at the Santa Cruz Diner for a good, but expensive breakfast. Yeah for the senior discount! Then we headed south to Monterey. On the way we passed I don't know how many acres of lettuce, strawberries, brussel sprouts, and artichokes! We saw a sign for deep-fried artichokes, but thought we might have another opportunity to try them, then never saw another.
In Monterey, we went ot the aquarium, where my favorite exhibit was the jellies.
Walking back to the car, we stopped for a gourmet apple from a place on Cannery Row.
Near sunset, we started the 17-mile drive around Monterey Peninsula. Here is a beach full of little rock towers. I talked to a local about them and she said someone started building them spontaneusly and now everyone who comes there builds them. So, I did. That's mine in the foreground to the right. It kinda resembles me!
Last but not least, we had to see the Lone Cypress at sunset. Mom, did you ever paint this?
Tomorrow--Big Sur and San Simeon.
2 comments:
I am very jealous of you right now :)
It sounds like so much fun! I would love to see that many butterflies!
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