We have now moved to Monterey Bay, and, more precisely, to the Marina Dunes RV Park. It’s a pretty place with a lot of trees, particularly Monterey Cypress, around and over each site.
For those not familiar with this part of California, Monterey Bay is a National Marine Sanctuary and a great deal of the coast here is an environmentally-protected dune habitat. Not a lot of fishing and hunting going on here.
Actually, the RV park is adjacent to the entrance to the Marina Dunes Preserve. There is a sand-covered path that leads to the shore…which is at least 1/4 mile west. It’s a hike, particularly in soft sand. And, then, when you get to the ocean, it is routinely cool and fog-shrouded…not a place for sunbathing. But, I’m sure all of the protected lizards, birds, and insects love it.
For some reason, there is a gate and pathway that leads north from the RV park out into what appears to be the native environment: ice plant, scrubby plants, sand dunes, an occasional Monterey Cypress, etc.
The sign at the gate says, “No aggressive dogs” and “Pick up dog poop”, so it appears that dogs and their owners are allowed out there. Thank goodness, because the three Boston Terriers absolutely LOVE IT out there, particularly because I’ve seen no sign that prohibits dogs off of leash.
It’s pretty much ice plant (which is not native to California, I’ve learned) and sand dunes, with trails.
All of the dogs have hundreds of acres of this stuff to explore, and they really relish the freedom to have fun. We will be here for a couple of weeks, so there will be lots of running around making fools of themselves. Life is good.
(BTW, as you can see, Booger is alive and well, participating in the fun and frolic. Below, Baby is trying sand surfing for the first time.)
The sun comes and goes out of the overcast/fog. This is pretty typical of the Monterey Bay area in the Summer, because the ocean water is in the low 60’s and the weather a few miles inland (during the day) is mid-80’s. So, again, sweatshirts and cool breezes are the rule of thumb.
There are a lot of stores and restaurants in the immediate area (across Hwy 1), and the touristy areas of Monterey (Fisherman’s Wharf, Cannery Row, the Monterey Aquarium, 17-Mile Drive, etc.) are 10 to 15 minutes south on Del Monte Drive.
Today we had a nice lunch at Scales, a fish joint on Fisherman’s Wharf. We’ve been there before, and we think that the food is excellent.
We’re probably going to give 17-Mile Drive another go this year. We tried last year, but got lost and frustrated (after paying the toll!). So, we’ll plan better this year, and may try to make it a picnic affair with the doggies. And, maybe take some photos…
