3/11/10 Carmel and Carmel Beach

3/11/10 Thursday


Photos:  http://silverserenity.shutterfly.com/1503

Still doing the tourist thing. Today is visiting Carmel and Carmel Beach. To get to Carmel we went around the bay and through Pacific Grove which is on the south end of the bay.

Here the coast is rough with large rock groupings and tide pools when the tide is low. It is impossible to fully capture via a normal camera the intensity, size and awesome nature of the waves on this coast.

As the tide flows out, the tidal pools are teaming with life and color. At first glance you may see little movement but looking closer there are an untold number of snails and hermit crabs in various sizes busily going about life as they know it. Anemone wave back and forth as the water teases past like the breeze blowing the leaves on a gentle summer’s day. An occasional fish, trapped by the unexpected diminishing of their surroundings, darts into cover to avoid the bird’s ever watchful eyes. We learn to listen to the sound of the waves in an attempt to avoid that rogue wave just waiting to catch us unaware.

The town of Carmel is on the must see every time you come list. Most of the homes and shops are small and quaint. The owners give them almost “hobbit-ish” appearances. (Photo 4240-notice the roof.) Space is at a premium and a bench is made into the rock retaining wall. (Photo 4245.) A rose bush lined alley way between shops takes you to other shops hidden in the back. (Photo 4247.) In another yard, many years ago someone began shaping their tree to incorporate a wooden bench. The tree is now so large and the branches so spread out that the branches have to be supported. (Photos 4248 & 4249.) There are some really large eucalyptus trees in the town casting off a wonderful aroma to add to the enchanting experience.

From Carmel Beach the Pebble Beach Golf Course can be seen. (Photos 4241 & 4242.) Anyone want to play? Your treat. Even in March there are a few brave souls in the water. Some are trying to catch that wave and made use of their surf board. Others ride the waves on the beach in the shallows. Youngsters with no feeling in their legs or bodies venture into the water and play oblivious to the cold water. Only a few are in bathing suits and lying in the sun. Playful squirrels hide in the bushes and trees hoping for a morsel to be left behind.

As the sun creeps lower in the sky, the rays turn the waves a beautiful translucent aqua. (Photos 4259 & 4260.) Shadows on the golf course get longer and the sun plays in golden colors on the water. Time for me to climb up the sand beach back to the truck to make the return trip to Marina and bring a sunset to another wonderful day along the CA coast.