leaving the coast

Coming back home we took the coast and I was perpetually delighted at all the forestry and beauty. All I could do was just dream and take a few photos from inside the car. I also had some time to finish re-reading Harry Potter and The Half-Blood Prince before the movie is released.

We made a stop in Big Sur for a bit and I think we all were just in love with all the surroundings.

A couple of hours later we made another stop for a bit to eat. Afterwards we stretched out our legs a bit behind the restaurant and took in all the beauty. I picked up a few black, jagged rocks and Natalie went exploring a bit.

Hopefully we will back again very soon....

monterey take two...

Our second day at Monterey we returned to the aquarium but decided to park in a residential area not too far away from it. I wish I had more time in the town because there are so many houses and buildings that I just fell so hard for! Beautiful!

Once again in the aquarium, snapping up photos of wonders that lie beneath the salty waters..

On Cannery Row, a nice stone bench for a little rest.

Oh the breeze!
Returning to the street we were parked, we decided to take a peek into two consignment stores there. Once we left we also passed a Goodwill where we absolutely had to go to! While I was looking at the dresses my dad picked out this coat for me and he was so thrilled!! He said, look at it, it's all you and only 16 dollars and he was right! What a perfect fit and in such great condition! You will see my sporting this come fall and winter :)

Natalie also picked out a top for herself, channeling her inner boho spirit it seems!

And two more of my finds: this fabulous scarf for three dollars and change and these flats for five dollars and twenty five cents!

Yay for thrifting and yay for Monterey!

the first day of monterey...

I never thought I would take pictures of weeds but now that I am beginning to learn different things about plants, herbs and such, I have a newfound interest. This was right outside our room.
She couldn't wait to begin the day at the Monterey Bay Aquarium!

I've forgotten the name of these jellies. Something like Tiger striped.

Ah, moon jellies!
And the amazing sea nettles!

Lots of little moon jellies too!

Cuttlefish are so cute...

and so is this little gal! ;)
We walked the street a bit for lunch and had to take this photo of Nat with this huge otter! Rick loves otters so this one is for him. The t-shirts next to it were all 'Hairy Otter' shirts!

Speaking of things Rick loves, John Steinback is onw of his most favorite authors, so this one was also for him...