Annette in Monterey, CA

In mid-January, Annette flew to California to speak at the California League of Middle and High Schools conference. Since January is a great time to visit the west coast and because of the air fare rates, Annette decided to stay an extra day.

Pre-conference Relaxation

Annette arrived late in the evening and spent the night at the Marina Dunes Resort on the ocean next to a wildlife preserve. Because the resort is located in a protected area, no cars are allowed. Instead, guests are given covered golf carts to drive. What fun! After checking in to her room, Annette headed to AJ Spurs, a saloon and dining hall at the resort, for a great supper.

The room had a wonderful fireplace and a porch overlooking the ocean. It was a great place to sit and sketch. After a walk on the beach and hike through the dunes, it was time to head to the conference center.

Post-conference Relaxation

Rather than flying out immediately after her presentations, Annette scheduled to stay for an extra day to visit the Monterey Bay Aquarium. She was particularly interested in the placement of the cameras used for the web cam broadcasts found on the aquarium's website.

The aquarium has a great short movie. It focused on caretakers, stewards, advocates, and guardians. It emphasized how people discover, explore, seek, experience, wonder about and enjoy nature including its habitats, ecosystems, environments, places, and spaces.

Carmel-by-the-Sea

After visiting the aquarium, Annette took a drive down the coast. Her first stop was for lunch at Gilbert's Seafood Grill on Fisherman's Wharf. The halibut with lobster sauce was fantastic! Next, she explored Cannery Row, then drove on down the coast to Pacific Grove and Point Lobos.

She particularly enjoyed shopping in Carmel-by-the-Sea. Annette also stopped along the rocks to eat a carmel apple, sketch, and watch seals play on the rocks along the coast.

Many people suggested the drive through Pebble Beach, but she decided to enjoy the free coast line instead.

Further down the coastal road, Annette stopped to visit the Point Pinos Lighthouse, the oldest continuously operating lighthouse on the West Coast.

A last walk along the beach at the Point Lobos State Preserve before heading back to the hotel topped off this enjoyable and relaxing day. This trip was a great balance of work and play!