We had decided that we were going to explore Monterey before heading into Yosemite, and initially we wanted to go to the aquarium. We eventually decided against it as it was $40 entry each and we figured we would need the whole day, so again we put this on our list to come back to! Instead we caught the MST trolley outside hotel Pacific, a free trolly service that takes you to Fishermans Wharf, then onto the aquarium. We decided to get off there as it was the furthest point and walk back to the hotel. It was a a gorgeous day, sunny, around 73' and a sea breeze. The shops were sign tactic!! And we browsed in many of them.
We came across a little cove and couldn't resist rock pooling. Jo found sea snails, crabs, fish and all other sorts of delights. Monterey you are a dream... There were seals, laid on the nearby rocks and all sorts of sea birds, cormorants, gulls, even a goose?! In the marina saw a sea otter swim under the broad walk, come out and crack shell fish, we think was either mussels (muscles - oops!), limpets or crabs. Under him there were schools of fish catching what he's dropping. And noisy sealions, tucked into the harbour wall, all playing around in and out the water.
Then further round the coast line we saw some harbour seals.... Smaller than sealions and sunbathing on rocks near the beach, watching the people in the water with curiosity. After finishing up in the wharf, we wondered back via the historic pathway through some beautiful gardens and back to the car to drive out of downtown into Yosemite. I had some gorgeous peanut brittle, the best I'd ever tasted, before realising that I had broken one of my teeth... Ouch!
The drive was interesting, coming away from the coast. Jo took us detour as I missed a turning!! Oops!! But we passed loads of fruit farms selling all sorts. Garlic ice cream was my fav sign, although we didn't stop to sample any, mainly cherries, strawberries, nectarines, apricots.... Yum!
We stopped at St. Luis reservoir, which was very dried up, about 10foot lower than should be, but a pretty welcome break, although the heat had shot up to about 103'.
The landscape changed, the heat up to average 108' then more hills, rocky terrain with golden grass, almost sunburned. We followed Highway 140 into Yosemite Valley. Which is just beautiful, in the start of the Sierra mountain range, tall pines lining mountains, some very precariously balanced!! We are staying just outside in El Portal and will explore the park tomorrow.
We arrived at 5.39... Loads of time to relax and unwind. Went for a meal in the hottest restaurant. After dinner we went to sit on the rocks by the river. A great way to relax, especially after the twisty winding roads leading into El Portal. We are staying on the banks of the Merced River, unfortunately not with a river view. Whilst on the rocks we saw a handful of playful lizards jumping and scuttling from rock to rock, and hummingbirds (we think) scanning the rivers surface. No mountain lions, bears, wolves, coyotes or snakes yet though!! Maybe tomorrow!
Day: 23
Miles: 3987
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