Just to celebrate the last night in the California Coast, a bite on Marie Callender´s cookie as dessert! Thanks to my brother who suggested this outstanding place to finish our trip!
Lots of goodies we would love to take home but that will just be kept in our memories :(
Santa Monica - the next stop, we strolled along the "Promenade" in the evening , just steps from the seaside, and boy, it was crowded but full of good energy and there was a little time to savor, sip and see the local life!
"Life is like a box of chocolates. You never know what you´re gonna get."
Redondo Beach - We had such an inventive menu at this seafood restaurant Bluewater Grill , like this:
Diced Ahi Tuna with spicy sauce, sushi rice and wonton pieces like a sandwich...
Observe the ocean, the nature is right here...
right on Camila´s crocs! how pretty is it?
Taking a walk along Santa Monica´s beach near the harbor...
Is there always so perfect? The temperature was cozy, the air was clear and well, I must have more exhilarating list of things to tell about this part of California!
Time to get some rest...
Early in the morning we took a dense fog on the road but then suddenly a clear sky came out of nowhere and the trip sounded safer , phew!
I think this is called the Pyramid Lakes, we could see from the road and the water looked silver colored reflecting the sunlight .
The same lake a little ahead on the road...
So, near Six Flags we could find the Red Lobster and immediately we stopped by!
Can you believe this is the kid´s menu: Snow Crab Legs! Yummy, she ate them all!!!
Ok, now it´s my turn: Sample Shrimp with shrimp linguini alfredo, does it sound good?No, it was DELICIOUS !!!
The best thing to do in a hotel room is : jump on the bed!!!
Look at this gorgeous old car! We went to the Home Depot and found this , here they are, my parents and Camila.
Ardenwood Historic Farm seemed to be a great place to spend the day but unfortunately like almost everything on the last day of the year , this one was closed.
How about a pic nic down here, the smell of herbs, the farmer's market selling lots of fresh vegetables which are their specialty and maybe I would not do anything else .
It´s almost New Year!!!
My daughter's new pet, a stuffed sea lion that her grandpa gave her, she is totally in love with it and carries with her everywhere she goes.
She helps a lot with the baggage!
Dad! What are you doing!!!!!
Phew! We took almost half an hour to get in this interesting attraction : The Exploratorium
Outside you will find a beautiful park and these astonishing architecture work.
Carmel by the sea.
Many Inns have ocean views and private balconies surrounded by pine trees and fresh air. I would love to stay there someday...
Santa Cruz , CA , close to the harbor - we met these seals , ones looking at us, others playing or even sleeping under the grey sky, it began raining and we ran into the car but for our little one, it was the most amazing happening of the day!
We finally arrived at the hotel , starving and we decided to go close to it and thanks to the GPS ( which I wouldn´t be able to go anywhere without it, anymore) we found out this Japanese Restaurant and we were delighted by the Sashimi ( raw fish) and other special dishes that were served.
Monterey Bay Aquarium - the most amazing maritime creatures preservation place where they show the important connection between human being and nature and the special care for kids that can touch the creatures, they learn through experiences and the sea otters are really cool!
A walk nearby is a great thing to do and we found a good , delicious place to have lunch looking at the sea and take a time just to think about what to do next!
And while waiting for the food she had to update her journal describing the animals she´s seen these days...
This dish was pretty amazing! Salmon with shrimp with oyster sauce and rice, yummy, would have another one!
Santa Barbara is the most beautiful place in the Californian Coast with its nature, perfect climate and friendly people.
We also have been amazed by the food .
And a visitor came by near the restaurant: a seal, so cute!
and lots of pelicans, a whole family right there out of the window, flying with their long wings and taking the fisherman´s fish away...
This was the restaurant´s window view
Walking and trying to get closer to Santa Barbara´s life
then leaving and going to Solvgang , a Danish village in the mountains full of history , H C Andersen memories, gift shops and chocolateries...
A very typical town where we stayed for 1 hour and we looked around , had some hot coffee served with danish rolls to warm our soul ...
... took some pictures and since we had a long way up to Monterey we left the town ,
and we went on the road again!
We saw some elephant seals on the beach, so amazing! Then we made a pit stop in the middle of the mountains called Ragged Point...
and passed through beautiful landscapes, spectacular views in Big Sur and finally we got to our next hotel destination at Marina , Monterey by the Bay. Unfortunately we didn´t stop at Nepenthe because of the weather , it was very rainy and it was getting dark and we were a little bit tired so we was desperately seeking for a comfort bed... Maybe next time.
