Labor Day Weekend, Part Deux

As the sun came up in Big Sur, we began to stir. (Well, I'm sure Jamie did - it takes more than a sunrise to get me up.) The first of Sonya and Jeff's Wedding Weekend activities was about to begin, and we needed to head to Point Lobos in order to partake.

As we pulled into the parking area, it looked like an Edelman-Szuchman family reunion! Aunts and uncles and cousins and moms and dads of the bride and groom were hugging and smiling and, dare i say it, plotzing, as everyone arrived for the "Pre-nuptial Hike." Though it was overcast, we still had wonderful views of the water crashing into the rocks.

Once everyone was ready, the whole bunch of us headed out on Bird Island Trail. This was a mile loop that took us high above two white sandy beaches - China Cove and Gibson Beach. China Cove was closed that day due to a, shall we say, stair issue...

...but we were able to get down to Gibson Beach and hang out for a bit!

Jamie even went hunting for shells, and found this!

Oh, i kid. That's Malcom!

We had a lot of fun with him and his parents all weekend!

We finished up the hike by noticing just how many people among us had braces (at last count it was upwards of six), checking out Bird Island, and looping around Pelican Point.

As we were leaving the hike.... someone mentioned that the entire path had been lined on both sides with poison oak.

So we promptly baby wiped all of our exposed skin as if our lives depended on it!

AND THEN IT WAS OFF TO CARMEL BY THE SEA!!

If you know any locals in Carmel, please do not mention to them that we found a quiet street off the beaten path where we took off our potentially-contaminated poison-oak-clothes. In someone's front yard. It had to be done. Thanks for your discretion.

Anyway, once that problem was solved, we were in need of a good breakfast! We tried the historic Tuck Box, but it was past noon by this time, and we needed more than tea and biscuits.

We asked a [very proper] lady -- who brought her own plates into the small shop and ordered her 'usual' -- where we might find a hearty brunch at this time of day. She [very properly] advised us that the locals enjoy a place called the Little Swiss Cafe over on sixth. Man, oh man, this for me was the find of the century. I am looking forward to going back to Carmel for many reasons, not the least of which is to eat here once again. The food was terrific, but there was something about the atmosphere that I really enjoyed. The small diner had a mural on the surrounding four walls that depicted the Dutch countryside in all four seasons. Behind me you can see the end of winter blending into the beginning of spring...

And as you can imagine, spring blended into summer, etc. What you can't see here are all the hidden, humorous characters and scenes the artist Andre Balyon incorporated into this amazing multi-paneled painting. (The perspective was perfect!) The restaurant is on 6th between Lincoln and Monte Verde. Order the blintzes and bring cash. Cash is king in Carmel.

After some art gallery window shopping (and giggling),

... and trying to find a friend's house without an address -- they don't use street numbers in Carmel -- it was finally time to check into our bed and breakfast!

OFF TO PACIFIC GROVE!!

Our bed and breakfast, the Old St. Angela Inn, was in Pacific Grove. Everything (and by everything I mean Monterey, Cannery Row, Fisherman's Wharf, Pebble Beach, and the 17-Mile Drive) was in our backyard!

Old St. Angela Inn

The view from our Cape Cod Room

The weather was gorgeous, and we were unpacked - so we decided to jump back in the car and hit the 17-Mile Drive in Pebble Beach (yeah, we never stopped during these four days!). Here are some of the points of interest!

Jamie at Point Joe

Early mariners often  crashed upon these rocks after mistakenly setting their course for this point, believing that it was the entrance to Monterey Bay.

China Rock

Here and at Point Joe, Chinese fishermen built lean-tos against the rocks for their homes in the late 1800s and early 1900s.

Bird Rock 

(wide lens)

Bird Rock

(Close-up)

This stately landmark is home to countless shorebirds and groups of harbor seals and sea lions.

We could not believe what we were seeing - and how very loud this spot was!!

Cypress Point Lookout

For over 100 years, this point has been a preferred view of the dramatic Pacific coastline.

The Fake Lone Cypress

(We didn't actually stop at the Lone Cypress... so we're pretending that this tree is the famous landmark.)

The Ghost Tree

With a trunk bleached white from wind and sea spray, the remains of this unique Monterey cypress has a sinister silhouette worthy of examination.

I think this looks like a chess knight.

Anyone else see it?

My favorite photo of the trip,

near the Ghost Tree.

After returning home from the drive, we took a stroll through Cannery Row on our way to the Fisherman's Wharf. We were determined to have a delicious seafood dinner at this end of this magnificent day! If you're ever doing Monterey on the cheap, just head to the Wharf -- each restaurant is so determined to get you in to eat their "best clam chowder in Monterey," that you'll be full of free samples in no time! It was tough, but we finally chose a great restaurant: Old Fisherman's Grotto, where Jamie discovered her love of abalone.

Spotted this guy (and many others) on our way to dinner.

On the Wharf

And finally, at the end of the day, Jamie had the opportunity to rock out with the art that adorns the warehouse walls along Cannery Row. Now, if that's not a lovely Steinbeck-inspired swan song, I don't know what is.

The weekend's not over folks - stay tuned for Jamie's blog about the big wedding day... DAY THREE!!!

Labor Day Weekend, Part I

Labor Day, the first Monday in September, is a creation of the labor movement and is dedicated to the social and economic achievements of American workers. It constitutes a yearly national tribute to the contributions workers have made to the strength, prosperity, and well-being of our country. The first Labor Day holiday was celebrated on Tuesday, September 5, 1882, in New York City, in accordance with the plans of the Central Labor Union. The most recent Labor Day holiday was celebrated from August 29 through September 1, 2008, along the central coast of California, in accordance with the plans of Jamie and Jen.

Jamie and I set off for our adventure on the last Friday in August. We had quite a weekend ahead of us: our friends Sonya and Jeff were getting married up in Monterey and Jamie was turning 32! We had booked places to stay and discussed a few stops along the way we wanted to explore, but for the most part, we were gonna wing it.

Day One

The plan: Drive up the gorgeous southern and central coast of California and take in its stunning, awe-inspiring beauty.

What happened: Up and at 'em at 6 in the morning, Jamie and I jumped in the car and headed for the Pacific Coast Highway. It was an overcast morning, but we were sure the marine layer would burn off in no time. We stopped in the small military town of Lompoc for a bite to eat and some much-needed coffee.

And then we were off again!

As we continued up the coast (waiting for the pesky fog to burn off), we began to see signs for Morro Bay. Jamie said there was a rock there... and i really like rocks... so we thought, "Why not?!"

Along the way, we came across the North "T" Pier, home of the $1.25 barbecued oyster. The very, very delicious $1.25 barbecued oyster.

After some pelican watching, we bought some fudge from the boardwalk's candy store, and headed to Morro Rock.

Yup, there it is... right... there.

After playing on the rocks for a bit, we hopped back on the PCH... patiently waiting for that fog to dissipate. As the hours and miles went by, it was still a bit overcast... which was fine, because we had plenty of things to pass the time.

Next stop: Hearst Castle! Hearst Castle is actually a giant museum, but California State Parks strives to keep the estate looking like a private house. They offer five different tours everyday, and Jamie and I got there just in time for Tour 2, the Casa Grande Tour.

Jamie loved the Gothic Study

I loved the library

We both loved the artwork and ornate architecture

And the insane indoor pool

We were positive that after all the time we killed at the Castle we'd be welcomed by sunny skies and a crisp view of the coast... but alas... it was past lunchtime, and it appeared we were destined to drive through fog the rest of the day. As we were discussing this misfortune (and deliberating about driving down the coast on Monday), we saw our first of many elephant seal hangouts.

But we were starving, and were eager to get up to Big Sur... so through the clouds we drove... and drove... and drove...

Until...

we were above them!?!?!?

no joke, folks, here we are, above the clouds!

After a gorgeous photo opportunity,

we were Big Sur bound!

Jamie found this terrific spot for us in Big Sur called Fernwood Resort. This place had it all: tent camping, cabins, motel rooms, a tavern, a restaurant, a general store, hiking, and the Big Sur River! We opted for a tent cabin - something we had never done before - but will certainly do again!

We attempted to find a hiking trail, but ran into a few problems with the map... 

But then we found this terrific natural amphitheater in the woods and decided to get our dance on...

All that hiking and dancing definitely began to take its toll on us (as if our daylong drive didn't wear us out enough!), so we headed up towards the tavern for some dinner. We didn't go far before hearing someone shout, "Jamie!" (Small world, no?!) And wouldn't you know it, there at Fernwood was Jamie's friend Kris, along with her husband and adorable son Malcolm (more on these guys later!!). We chatted fireside about Sonya and Jeff, our Republican neighbors at the campsite, and what we each had planned for the rest of the weekend. 

And finally, after some cocktails, fish tacos, a smoked salmon quesadilla, and a gaze at the stars,

we were ready to call it a night. 

Check back soon for Day Two of our Labor Day Weekend!!!

She's back...

No, I'm not referring to Brenda on the new 90210.  The woman who is "back" is the one and only Queen of Disco...Donna Summer!  

I have to admit that Donna Summer is one my (jamie) first childhood memories.  My mom used to be an aerobics instructor in the early 80s, and she would blast Donna Summer throughout the house while making up new routines for her classes.  And still, in the year 2008, my mom can be found shaking her butt while working in the yard with Hot Stuff playing on her shuffle.  The neighbors laugh.  My dad rolls his eyes.  But the thought of her disco dancing in the front yard to music that no one else can hear, will always make me smile.  

So when jen and I saw that Donna Summer was making her comeback at the Hollywood Bowl this summer, we knew we had to surprise my mom with tickets.  We didn't tell her where we were going...just that she needed to be in LA the weekend of August 22nd.  I couldn't wait to see her face as we approached the marquee.  She couldn't believe it.  Donna Summer!  She hasn't released an album in 17 years.  Wait, she's still alive?  OMG!  Donna Summer!  

We brought Helen along for the ride, even though when I asked her if she wanted to go, her response was "what does she sing?"  ;) 

The concert was amazing!  Donna Summer is quite the diva. Her first song was entitled The Queen is Back, and after her performance, it was obvious that she was never really gone. She played most of her new songs, and all of her old hits. Everyone was standing and dancing ...especially mom. Donna was funny, engaging, and a blast to watch. Her numerous costume changes were incredible! So many sequins. And to make the night even more indulgent, we brought along Yummy Cupcakes to munch on during the intermission. 

I heard my mom later on the phone telling her friend that she had converted three 30-somethings to be Donna Summer fans...and she was right.  We bought her new CD the next morning, and have been working out to the tunes ever since. If only I could go back in time and take one my mom's aerobics classes... 

Mom, if you're reading this, we were thrilled to share this moment with you.  

3,000 calories to go please...

My mom came to visit jen and me a few weekends ago, and one of our stops was Pink's in Hollywood.  After hearing about Pink's via the Food Network, mom couldn't wait to sink her teeth into the highly caloric goodness that is a Pink's hot dog.  

I think everyone in L.A. has been to this hotspot at least once. And at 3,000 calories a pop, once may be enough!  But I digress...

Let's pretend (for the sake of this blog) that we live in a world where 1. eating healthy doesn't matter...  2. hot dogs are made with extremely high-grade meat...  and 3. small portions are a thing of the past.  

Okay...keep that thought going...  

Pink's hot dogs are AMAZING!  Move over ketchup and mustard...Pink's menu has it all.  You can get everything from guacamole to sauerkraut to fruit on your dogs.  You can even get celebrity dogs like the Martha Stewart or Rosie O'Donnell dog.  With so many choices, you're probably wondering how on earth we chose what to order?  Well, the 30-minute wait gave us plenty of time to decide.  

For those of you who don't live in lala land, one thing to know about Pink's is that there is ALWAYS a line.  I've driven by the hot dog stand at 2am...line.  9am...line.  12noon...long, long line.  But like the Food Network reveals, it's ALWAYS worth the wait.  

I think both jen and I got the Mullholland Drive Dog.  (It's kind of hard to tell from the pictures.)  The 10" stretch dog comes smothered in grilled onions, grilled mushrooms, nacho cheese & bacon.  Mom went simple with a chili dog and sauerkraut. These messy delights were so delicious.  And adding an order of their super-seasoned fries (in our pretend world) equaled heaven on earth.

I know going to Pink's isn't something us LA folk would do on a daily basis...but next time you have a visitor in town, go ahead and splurge.  After all, we do need calories to survive...right?  

the best kept secret

No, not the Colonel's secret recipe of 11 herbs and spices... nor the Joe Biden reveal on August 23rd.

Which only leaves... 

Kayaks on the Water, down in Long Beach.

And who discovered this little gem of a daytrip...?

That's right! Nancy! 

Thanks Nancy!

On August 16th, a bunch of us L.A. locals took a roadtrip down to the LBC... destination: Kayaks on the Water. The little rental shack is conveniently located on the beach directly across from the famous Naples Islands canals. There are several different waterways and  canals you can explore throughout your trip. For starters, our group made the circular lap through the island and did some 'House Hunting,' where Jamie and I daydreamed about the day when we'll have a waterfront home of our very own. Jamie, Christine, Dave, Cat, Leah, Terra, Nancy, Becky, Melissa and I checked out the  boats and homes and waverunners of the lucky residents, as we drifted through their backyards. 


Next stop, Spinnaker Bay, home to several hundred moon jellies. Here we were able to paddle the kayaks into a cove, come to a rest, and watch the translucent jellies rise to the surface.

 

While we were instructed not to harass the jellyfish, we were encouraged to touch them.  They were extremely slimy, and were completely harmless (no stingers on these pulsating jellies)...

...so we non-harassingly decided to pick them up. Pretty awesome.

After the interactive science lesson, we all decided to head over to the shopping center. Yes, that's right. The shopping center. We paddled parallel to the Pacific Coast Highway, and ended up on a dock that sits behind a bunch of shops, including Starbucks, Jamba Juice, and Ralph's, to name a few. We all made the requisite pitstops, in soaking wet shorts, mind you, and gave our muscles a much-needed break. 

Some of our fellow paddlers continued on to the Wildlife Refuge canal, but Jamie and I headed back to the beach.  Full of jamba juice and feeling blisters beginning to form, we decided we had had a full day already! We had a lovely ride back... and only interfered in one major fleet race. Whoops.

And so ends our kayak adventure. Like everything else Jamie and I grow to love, we want to keep going back, we want to get better at it, and we want to own our own equipment! (Though note to self: either get a closed cockpit kayak, or remember to use sunblock on your legs!!!)