Yesterday, we headed out to Monterey, to visit relatives and a good friend driving over from San Diego. At least it is nearer for us to drive Not that I drive I am just the sleepy passenger as always. Better to go this weekend, it will be a traffic nightmare to head there during Memorial Day weekend.

On the way, we passed by Gilroy..cannot resist to get some garlic products..we won't catch them open later so got them before we proceed:


Cute, hairy cow


Took some photos of the garlick products we got...garlic, garlic, garlic

garlic chips


pistachios with garlic


garlic butter


dry roasted pistachios with garlic kernels


garlic flakes


string of garlics


As we near Monterey..passing by the sandy dunes along Sand City and Seaside: on and off traffic crawl:


At downtown Monterey, ongoing Rock and Rod festival:






Okay will post a separate part two..cannot seem to upload more photos.

Oh, I'm envious, haven't been there for awhile. I hadn't even thought about Memorial Day until you mentioned it. I suppose we will have extra traffic here also.

Posting part two:
Exploring around we chanced upon the Spanish garden at the historic 18th century Pacific House:


I like the way the fern plants are arranged and planted:


more shade plants:
I think these are clivia plants:

overgrown aroid


I love this pergola:
Love how this old tree grows through:


very quiet view under the pergola:


a peaceful fountain at the center, quaint tile work around the fountain:


more plants around..and the main entrance..apparently we came through a side entrance:





Walking further another well maintained garden called Casa del Oro Garden:
Really love the simple elegance of their drought tolerant garden

wcgypsy said:Oh, I'm envious, haven't been there for awhile. I hadn't even thought about Memorial Day until you mentioned it. I suppose we will have extra traffic here also.

I was glad my cousins were running late, we had the chance to go around..away from Cannery Row and see these other areas.

Memorial Day..we may try to go hiking along Land's End in SF on Saturday that weekend..and laze around the rest of the weekend

The last time we were in Monterey, I'd wanted to go to the Aquarium and it was a rainy day and a weekday, so I thought there would be no problem, but failed to think about it being Veteran's Day and the place was packed. We used to go to the Laguna Seca races many years ago, but I have never been to the aquarium....sigh..

If I could afford it, that area is where I would live. It's been years since I was up there too, and last trip, we did stay overnight and went to the aquarium.

Yep...it's pretty good, isn't it?...though a lot more crowded now, like most of California....

The parking rates are a bit friendlier, $7 the whole day vs. $7 to $8 in SF. Nearer to Cannery row it was $3 ..but during holidays just so hard to get near there. I tried to get an overnight booking, but changed my mind..way too expensive since it was late already...maybe next time, I like those ones nearer Pacific Grove, we got a hotel there before near a butterfly sanctuary,further away from the downtown tourist crowd.

Great pics, Tarev! Love the terra cotta borders around the drought tolerant gardens! Were those roof tiles? We usually stay in Pacific Grove too...

Thanks Liz! You know, I was busy looking at the plants..did not look at the roof tiles