Hwy 1

Some pictures are getting old.

These pictures are from June when we had an outing to part of U.S. Hwy 1

towards Big Sur.

Of course, everyone's favorite, Julia Pfeiffer Burns Park with the renowned Mc. Way Falls is our final destination. I will have separate blog posting about it.

Next year I want to try Hwy 1 again in May while the wildflowers are blooming.

As we head down south Hwy 1 along the coast, behind every turn and hills, these beautiful sights begin to unfold. We natually stop at turnouts(pullouts) where lots of cars are parked.

We began the day early on Saturday morning.

It was warm, but not sunny and bright yet.

Yellow wildflowers are still in bloom.

Jonathan's friend from college is visiting us.

Driving south along coastal hwy1.

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Downtown Monterey

Though I am always drivng by Pacific Street where there are some historical parks and buidlings,

I hardly stop and park my car to walk around my downtown neighborhood.

Finally on one rare beautiful sunny day, we walked to downtown area and

strolled here and there.

California's First Theater

This building is currently closed for renovation.

The following info is from California State Parks website.

Located in Monterey State Historic Park, this adobe theater was built by Jack Swan in 1846-47 as a lodging house and tavern for sailors. It was used as a theatre in 1850 when U.S. Army officers from Colonel Stevenson's 1st New York Volunteers produced plays as a money-making venture. Swan built a small stage and provided benches, whale-oil lamps, candles for footlights, and curtains made of red and blue blankets. Tickets sold for $5 each. First night receipts totaled $500.

In later years, the First Theatre was used as a lodging house for whalers but fell into disrepair after Swan's death in 1896. It was purchased in 1906 by California Historic Landmarks League and donated to the State of California. 

In 1937 and until recently, the Troupers of the Gold Coast staged the first melodramas since the 1850s.

MOM(Museum of Monterey) Back View

Casa del Oro

House of Gold is built in 1845 by Thomas Larkin.

Several years later, this adobe building was leased by Joseph Boston as one of the first general merchandise stores in the area. Silverware, pans, coffee mills, tubs, brooms, walnuts, tea, hams and soap ere sold here. Boston literally offered everything from garden seeds to grinding stones!

The first safe in Monterey was installed in Boston's Store. The story goes that miners returning from the gold fields often stored their assets there. This led to the designation "Casa del Oro" or House of Gold. Today, one can still find the original safe and Boston's office desk on display.
(from http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=953)

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Old Fisherman's Wharf, Monterey CA

Old Fisherman's Wharf on Del Monte Ave is town's one of main attractions. 

It's only 5 minutes drive from where we live.

This wharf is a walking distance from the downtown area and to

the world famous Monterey Bay Aquarium.

Aquarium is another place yet to visit.

The pink lighthouse building is a gift shop.



The famous Old Fisherman's Grotto restaurant.

There are many other seafood restaurants lined up on this wharf offering free samples of clam chowder. Monterey is also known for this fabulous clam chowder.

Did I try it? No, not yet!

But I'm going to when the pressure of high calorie does not bother me.

Inside of the restaurant

Harbor View
Monterey Peninsula has its own uique weather pattern.
I have not lived here long enough to describe its pattern throughout the year.
But so far, I've seen many overcast days than usual sunny bright hot summer days.
While the rest of the nation was boiling with heat, we had cool days.

Depending on when you visit here, your picture taking can be a futile effort due to foggy weather.
Still there are enough surprises with beautiful sunny days that bring out the most gorgeous true hues of the ocean.

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