Big Sur, Carmel and Pebble Beach

Friday and Saturday were spent with Jim & Avril, who are the best guides to Carmel/Big Sur! Avril used to work at Ventana (& told us all of her celebrity tales) & part of her job was to takes guests on hikes all over Big Sur. She shared her expertise with us on Friday and took us on several hikes & to other points of interest.

Ray's model pose

We finished our hikes with dessert at Nepenthe. Supposedly it has amazing views of the ocean. It was so foggy out all day that we didn't get to discover that for ourselves!

I still can't believe how incredibly lovely the area is out there. I don't believe I've ever been anywhere as gorgeous.


On Saturday the guys went hiking and Avril and I went dining and shopping. We went to Carmel-by-the-Sea & she took me to her favorite restaurant there, Andre's Bouchee Bistro and Wine Bar, a delicious French place. We shared a goat cheese & fruit salad & I had chicken with a mushroom port sauce, fettuccine & wonderfully crisp veggies.

Next stop: coffee. I love that chains aren't allowed in this area. You won't find a Walmart, McDonalds or Starbucks for miles! It really opens the door for wonderful little independents to thrive.

Shopping in Carmel-by-the-Sea

We met up with the guys in the afternoon & drove to Monterey. We saw the baby seals and their moms and then drove to Pebble Beach. We dined on appetizers and drinks, fireside, overlooking the beach. It was absolutely fantastic!