03-05 Bottchers Gap to Marina

3/05/10 Friday
Photos:  http://silverserenity.shutterfly.com/1298


Today awoke bright and crisp. The next mountain is still topped with a cloud that makes it look like the mountain is smoking.

We went for a short walk before heading out. Everywhere it was green and fresh. It seemed that anywhere you wanted to go it was either straight up or straight down. For a hiker it would be a great place to base from.

The camp manager has been here since 1983. He lives full time in a small Airstream trailer with the number 307 on it. A large propane tank is close to the parking lot. We do have to tell you that he is very strict and a stickler for the rules. But he gave us no problems.

Time to travel on and see if we can get out of here. The road out was better than we had anticipated. The down hills were no where as bad as the up hills. No trees had fallen and no major backups with traffic. Nice area but I don’t think we will venture here again.

Strangely enough the road out was no where near as bad as coming in. While it was steep, it didn’t seem as shocking as coming in and our first view at it. There were no trees down to block the road and not much traffic on the more narrow section.

In the “housing development” section I was able to get a few photos of some of the homes here. They are mostly very tiny. But it is confusing to know how dark and shady this area is and then see a home with sky lights. How funny! Guess they are trying to squeeze in every drop of sun.

Not too much farther to Carmel the Monterey and Marina. The traffic picks up some and the houses become more and much closer together.

Carmel River State Beach is also Monastery Beach. This is a great beach to just hang out and enjoy the ocean. We take time to look at the things the ocean has washed back onto shore. California Poppies are spotted around the beach. For all its peaceful appearance this beach has its horror stories also. (Photos 3999-4001.)

After a couple of hours we have some lunch and then head through Carmel, Monterey and on to Marina and Mom and Dad’s home. Along the strip of beach from Monterey to Marina hang gliders can often be seen as they take advantage of the ocean breezes.

And there it is….the exit to Marina. We are here.