Today we left San Francisco behind and travelled down Highway 1 which hugs the Pacific coast. It was great to drive along by the ocean and watching it crash over the cliffs with the sun shining. Very calming.
17 Mile drive had been recommended in all the guide books so we decided to check it out – at a cost of $9 for the pleasure. It was definitely worth it. The scenic route followed through forests to peaks and valleys and always wound back to the ocean. There were several stop off points along the way including the Restless Sea, the Lone Cyprus and the Ghost tree. Not to mention around 4 golf courses – 2 of them Links courses.
The Restless Sea was fun to watch – it seemed to tease me as when I had the camera out it was quite tame and as soon as turned the camera off a spectacular set of waves would begin. It is caused by the low rock formations under the ocean surface.
The Lone Cyprus is 250 years old and they have taken precautions to help it survive through even more storms by securing it with cables. The ghost tree – another Cyprus tree – got it’s name as it’s absorbed so much sand and salt over the years it’s turned white.
The 18th hole at Pebble Beach golf course was our final stop. We had lunch at the Tap Room which was lovely. The view was so stunning the photo doesn’t do it justice.
It was just a further 15 minutes to Carmel by the sea, a gorgeous little town where we are to stay tonight. We have a room at the Carmel country inn and it’s just as gorgeous as the town its self. We have 2 rocking chairs and a gas fire with a cute country quilt to really set the scene. The flowers are lovely around the balconies. They have complimentary cookies, sherry and romcom dvd’s to top it all off.
We’re off out to dinner soon.