Monterey to Carmel-by-the-Sea
Good Friday

It's all full steam ahead with the Americans - there's no stopping for Good Friday or Easter, which is good for us - Thelma and I are off to have a manicure/pedicure shortly, while Louise is going to look for a leg massage.  Ooh! Newsflash ... I just heard on the telly they have Easter sales happening ... woo hoo!

We took to the road again this morning heading down Highway One to enjoy the sights of "17 Mile Drive" which links Pacific Grove and Carmel.  It meanders its way through the wealthy private resort of Pebble Beach, and it is a gorgeous drive showcasing some mighty spectacular scenery with magnificent homes and golf courses overlooking the ocean. The likes of Clint Eastwood and the rich and famous live here ... we simply drooled.  Neon signs, and billboards are forbidden, street signs are only on blocks of 4x4 timber with a pointy top, painted white with green writing that stick up out of the ground - no overhead street signs are to be seen, anywhere.  Payphones, vending machines, and newspaper vending boxes are all shingled ... very OTT and very precocious.

On the road from Monterey, heading south toward Pebble Beach

We had lunch at a little café in Carmel-by-the-Sea.  And check out our fellow diner - this beast was sitting at the table next to me and snarled as I sat in my seat.  I tell you, I cannot get used to the fact that dogs are allowed into restaurants and coffee shops - who knows if they have parvo or worms? Or Rabies?!

Back on the road heading a short distance south, we saw the Lone Cypress, a tree that stands alone on an outcrop of rock and has stood the test of time for than 250 years. (The pic doesn't do it justice as the top railing of the fence blocks the water surrounding the rock island. You'll just have to trust me!)

Braving the chilly breeze along Big Sur

John and I saw Janet Seidel at Hamer Hall last week in her show, "Doris and Me".  Janet mentioned that Doris Day lives in Carmel-by-the-Sea and part-owns the Cypress Inn there, so I just had to call by to see if she was in.  It turns out that she lives, "up in the Valley", but I was invited to take some photos by the gorgeous receptionist - a far cry from the cow who was managing our reception at the salubrious La Quinta Inn, our current 'home' for two nights.  When 'Louise' asked for some tea bags, she was told they only served coffee 24/7; Louise explained that we drink tea, and mine-host told her she could buy teabags at the local Safeway!

Warming myself by the fire in Doris Day's Cypress Inn

Doris Day's Cypress Inn "reception room"

Off for a meal at the famous "Monterey's Fish House" for dinner.  The LP guidebook says that "Hawaiian shirts seem to be de rigueur for men", not sure what it is for women, but we'll be in our jeans and jumpers - it is still quite cold here.  I think we'll have to wait till LA to get some warm weather.

Off to New York tomorrow evening, so this will be my last post till then probably.  Happy Easter all!