Friday, December 27, 2013 – Yosemite National Park to Monterey
Our journey from Yosemite to Monterey took us through a fascinating cross-section of California’s landscapes. Following the GPS, we wound our way down a remote and twisting road, leaving the mountains behind. It was mesmerizing to watch the foliage change as we descended—majestic pines gave way to rolling hills, which eventually flattened into the agricultural expanse of the Central Valley. The contrast was striking: lush, irrigated farms thriving amidst stark, barren hills. It was a landscape unlike anything we’d ever seen on the East Coast.
Arriving in Monterey, we swapped mountain vistas for ocean breezes. Our first stop was the world-renowned Monterey Bay Aquarium, where we marveled at sea otters, penguins, puffins, jellyfish, and countless other marine creatures. The exhibits were incredible, offering an up-close look at the vibrant life beneath the waves.
For dinner, we dined on Cannery Row, enjoying a meal with a view overlooking the bay. The charm of the area inspired me to download and start reading Steinbeck’s Cannery Row. Sitting there, surrounded by the history and beauty of Monterey, it felt like the perfect way to end the day.
Where Are We Going Now? 