A brochure lists 21 points of interest along the drive, with brief descriptions. One of the first stops is near the point of highest elevation on the peninsula and looks out over the bay. Clouds had started to gather, but we got a great photo.
One of the famous golf courses is Poppy Hills. We could only get a long distance shot:
By now the rain had settled in and the clouds looked like the storm would last for awhile. We continued on our drive, and golfers continued with their game. Of course, at the level of these green fees, a raincoat is preferable to not playing!
The variety of animal life along the shore is astounding. Because the area has been protected for a hundred years or more, the birds, seals, and sea lions are comfortable with people and have established nest and "pupping" areas (if you're a seal).
The coastline is unique, and is beautiful.
While across the street one of the most beautiful golf courses in the world awaits …..
I promised that I wouldn't take pictures of the various estates that we passed, but this one caught my eye. The lower home actually is two structures separated by a covered walkway. The home above and to the side appear to have been built in the '70s. Many homes are for sale. For information contact Sotheby's…..
Past the Crocker Grove of ancient Cypress trees we came to the most photographed tree on the west coast, and perhaps the world; The Lone Cypress.
Over 250 years this Cypress tree has clung to it's rocks, surviving wind, storm and the onslaught of humanity.
The next stop after the Lone Cypress is, appropriately for Halloween, called the Ghost Tree. Several Cypress trees in this area have died, but their bleached bones refuse to fall.
Some of the coastline homes are well hidden, and only hint of their elegance.
The Inn at Pebble Beach looks over Monterey Bay and the Pebble Beach Golf Course. We walked into the sitting room and looked out through huge glass windows. Many wedding ceremonies have been held on or adjacent to the 18th hole.
And yes, the golfers golfed, even in a driving rain….
Pebble Beach is the only place I've seen where street side timepieces are made by Rolex.
Originally began by Bing Crosby, the Pro Am has been played at Pebble Beach for years. A memorial is located in a prominent place at the Inn.
The rain was steady at this point, so we cruised the remainder of the 17 Mile Drive and headed into Monterey for lunch. Of course, we wanted seafood, so a stop at the pier was in order where we stopped at the SandBar and Grill for a couple of bowls of Clam Chowder and an order of crab cakes. Delish!
It's only 7 or 8 miles from Monterey to Marina, so we were home in no time. A cup of coffee seemed to be just the thing, so we stopped at Marina Dunes State Park and watched the interaction of the rain and the waves while enjoying a hot beverage.
Another perfect end to a perfect day!
No comments:
Post a Comment