Trip to Big Sur October 8-9,2021

 The trip to Big Sur and Monterey Bay: October 8-9

Part 1:

Abhay , Adwight and me left home about 9 am on Friday. The night before we found a reservation at a hotel in Monterey Bay for Friday night. Aai did not want to join us. Lately she is also going through a phase of feeling down. Doesn’t want to go anywhere.

We drove north on interstate freeway 5 before taking California state highway 46 to Paso Robles. We continued on 46 West to Cambria where we stopped for lunch at a cute garden restaurant called Robin’s . The truffle fries we ordered as starters turned out to be the best part of the meal. The garden was simply lovely and made up for the otherwise tasteless food.

We carried onwards on 46 till we got onto Pacific Coast Highway 1. Driving past San Simeon we could see the famed Hearst Castle perched over the hilltop overlooking the coast. The drive was beyond gorgeous. At every turn I was awestruck watching the blue green waters, the surf, the pristine beaches, blue skies visible from time to time through the cover of clouds. On the right side were green meadows with cattle lazily scattered around, farmlands, hills and mountain cliffs.

We stopped at just a few view points to soak in the breathtaking views of the ocean. Passed by the elite Esalan Retreat Center on the way. Made it to Big Sur by 4 pm. Stopped for tea at a restaurant overlooking the ocean. 

After a nice relaxing tea break in Big Sur we headed to Monterey Bay. Walked in downtown to the local Fisherman’s wharf. The Plaza on the way has some remarkable monuments dedicate to Mexican heritage.

Adwight and me shared a small cup of clam chowder soup at the wharf. It was a pleasant surprise. By far the best clam chowder I had ever had until then ! We walked back to the Main Street and had dinner at a Nachos place. Abhay settled for a falafel wrap. 

Our hotel wasn’t too far from Main Street. We checked in and settled into our room. Earlier in the day we were in touch with Amita. She had the day off and had previous plans to spend time with her childhood friend who now lives in Santa Cruz. She decided after dinner she would drive from her place and join us at the hotel. It was past 10:30 pm when she finally arrived at the room.