Road trip August 2005

So the next lot of old photos comes from a road trip we did for 10 days I think it was. I think this trip was good as didn't drive too much each day. There was a tonne to see. 

There are some wildlife sanctuaries along the coast which protect important bird breeding grounds or places that the seals like to congregate. The first two snaps are Ano Nuevo Island State Park. You can see the elephant seals up very close here. One that looks dead, we realise is alive when he twitches his nose to get rid of a fly. The spooky house on the island looks spookier given the doors have been taken out by the seals.

We stayed the night in Watsonville, and had dinner at the Jalisco Mexican restaurant. We had to wait for a table, had a Marghuerita, and scoffed corn chips and salsa. By the time we got a table, I could seriously only eat a quarter of my meal. American servings are huge. We got a doggie bag and then left the leftovers in the fridge in the morning dammit.

Americas Best Value Inn. 781 Freedom Blvd Watsonville, CA 95076, reviewed 24/7/2006

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Clean and neat enough.

After this, I made my gf go to mass at St Patricks, in spanish. Couldn't understand a thing. There's a clothing store with some v. cool Mexican cowboy gear.

Watsonville - sounds like a redneck town, but most of the signs here in Watsonville are in spanish, some are in English. We stumbled on a church fate. All of the young ones spoke English, but not many of the stall holders. Managed to win a glass by tossing a coin into it. What a nice bunch of folks.

Next stop was Monterey, then Carmel further south on highway one.

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Monterey has lots of heritage architecture. The path of history walking tour can also be self guided - it is marked by arrows in the sidewalk. Plaques on the ground go through the local hispanic/American history of California.

Stopped at Carmel Mission Basilica 3080 Rio Rd Carmel, CA 93923, review from 24/7/2006:

Beautiful church plus surrounding buildings of the original Carmel Mission in wonderful condition.

Set in the town that Clint Eastwood used to run, and starred in ("Play misty for me" one of the films I viewed when doing "research" for my trip here), Carmel features spectacular cliffs and million dollar immaculate homes of the rich and famous; not that a million is much for a home around here (in 05). 

After you're finished gawking at all the interesting homes and their lovely gardens, a must-see for everybody is surely Point Lobos, slightly south.

Then Rio Grill for lunch. 101 Crossroads Blvd Carmel, CA 93923. My review posted 24/7/2006.

Food here was very good, and an upmarket feel. Service was very good; no pleasant chit chat, just very fast walking, and business like discussion of what you want. I was impressed when he sidled across to collect our credit card without breaking conversation with the people at the next table. We also got him to draw us a map of where to go next  - the spectacular route 16 via Greenfield.

These two shots are of Point Lobos. Another 5 stars, and one of the loveliest pieces of coastline with multitudes of different marine wildlife. Sea lions (Zalophus californianus dude), seals, otters, and lots of birds.

Below: a breakfast Burrito at Greenfield. I guess we stayed there.

My review of the Travel Inn

120 El Camino Real

Greenfield, CA 93927

Not a bad hotel.

Greenfield is pretty quiet. The main reason it's here I think is to service agriculture, so everyone's dead asleep early.

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Also stayed in Bakersfield where 3 out of 4 cars aren't cars; they're supersized utes; F100s etc, like the shot of Marie below.

My review of KC Steak House

2515 F St Bakersfield, CA 93301

Come here for the amazing retro feel. You could imagine Hugh Hefner designed the place in the 60's. Waitresses wear knee length pleated skirts, and harstyles, like buns etc, are retro too. Food's fine, but wear loose pants as it's a biiig meal.

Review of Downtowner Inn - RENOVATED

1301 Chester Ave

Bakersfield, CA 93301

posted 24/7/2006

The Downtowner Inn is not to be confused with Downtown Divorce or any other downers in Bakersfield. This place is conveniently located across the road from Aladdins Bail Bonds. It has a dodgy feel. The office is more like a bank tellers window, with the slot in the bottom.

It is a budget place, as long as you don't mind feeling down when in this town.

Bakersfield has a lovely looking downtown, with all the hedges looking correct and in the right spot, plus some nice palms. What is an "All America City"? It'd be a shame if it was only partial.

Sequoia National Park

Park & Forests

47050 Generals Hwy

Three Rivers, CA 93271

United States

posted 24/7/2006

Huge vistas with knife edge black mountains that look like they've been painted in the background. The Sequoias are huge. When the General Sherman last dropped a branch, it weighed as much as a VW beetle, according to the ranger.

Check out the "Buttress Tree" example, estimated at 2,300 years of age, and wish it happy birthday - bring a few packs of candles, eh? You can also drive through one Sequoia which fell across the road. They simply cut an arch into it.

You can also see bears on your walks, hopefully not up close. You'll be warned about food storage. Numerous photos show these guys ripping open cars. When good bears go bad, they get destroyed, so be sure to use the food lockers provided. The ranger says that if you get bitten by a rattle snake, these days they just get you to sit and relax, and take the pain, as it's usually not lethal.

One of the walks we did went past stunning alpine lakes.

Marvel at the water falls, and say hi to the cute squirrels.

Driving along just outside the park, what's on the road sunning itself? Taratulas! Here, there and everywhere. Brave people live in this area.