Luvly Jubbly in America: California

WE had a long flight across the states to California. It still amazes me how big America is. American airlines are not the best. I know Caroline always says pack a few snack, which I did do. Not enough snacks were packed. You pay for your bags $25.00 per check in luggage and no food or movies. You pay for everything. I am sorry Melissa for not preparing you enough snacks for the flight.

Anyway we got there and it was amazing.

How wonderful still driving on the same side of the road and not having to test our way out the airport.

We were so hungry and found a wonderful restaurant called Haute Enchilada for a meal. I loved the bright colours, different art work.

The table was all different Mexican tiles

I see you Kara. I love the pop art picture in the background.

Come love your mommy and have a photo taken.

Our house was just outside Moss Landing and it was amazing. The dunes are protected and you not allowed to walk on them.

The beach was only a few metres walk away.

The roaring waves. So lovely to wake up hearing the sound of the waves. Reminded me so much of when we went on holiday to Cape Town or Durban.

Where are the people. Only us on the beach. What a pleasure

A morning walk on the beach. I like this picture of Leon and Victoria. I am sure Victoria had lots to say.

The kids found sand dollars.

Breakfast at the Wild Plum cafe in Monterey. I think the people in the restaurant were still on their trip from the night before. Not hurrying here.

The Cannery in Monterey.

I loved the people and all the Harley's and old cars.

The Monterey Aquarium

I need to watch Forest Gump again

This one is for you dad. The old cars were fantastic.

Kara getting wet and sandy just before we were about to go out.

Yes, Victoria you try stop those waves

Hello George??????

I love setting the camera up for our family photos.

A quiet walk on the beach to watch the sun go down. Not as good as the African sky in Botswana but still very beautiful.

Anyone want an artichoke? The climate is so good for growing vegetable and fruit

17 Mile drive to Pebble beach

We stopped at Spanish Bay to have a walk around. You try build towers out of stones on the beach.

Yes I do like our family photo's together. Tried to spice it up a little.

I was desperate for the loo. No toilet in sight. I got Leon to keep chips and I did a duck behind one of the rocks. Leon did take a picture but I wont grace you with the honours of my bottom.

Sea rock. The noises from the seals was fantastic

The Lone Cyress

The lone Cypress is one of California's great landmarks. The kids kept saying which tree mommy. That tree!. So we got quite a few pictures of the tree.

Make sure you get the tree in the photo Victoria.

Great bend of the neck Victoria, we want to see the tree.

Aaah the tree, yes.

Th Lodge at Pebble Beach.

The famous 18th hole at Pebble beach golf course. The construction site is not but we had to get the picture. This one is for the golfers, its a 543 yard par -five that elbows along the water. Sounds good.

The lobby where we had cocktails and milk shakes reminds me of Luton Hoo.

Leon had a bloody Mary. I ate the prawn.

Now that milk shake has style. I wish I had one of those.

Carmel

Carmel has hidden courtyards and passage ways. We stopped for a coffee.

I love the Mexican tiles

Pebble Beach

We had a picnic on the beach.

Kids playing and they made a turtle.

Phil's Fish Market and Eatery. Leon and I shared a cioppino which was delicious. Phil's is where all the locals eat. Nothing fancy but really great fish.

The blue grass band playing while we had dinner at Phil's

Another walk on the beach.

Our drive along the Big Sur. We stopped at Point Lobos, state park.

Bixby Bridge

We headed out on highway 1 , with our American road trip music blaring.
We stopped off at Nepenthe restaurant which has a 800 vantage point. The views were amazing.

We tucked into this chocolate layer cake. It was gone in 2 minutes.

I loved the fire pit. Want our own fire pit when we get another house.

Dad I thought you would like this box on the wall full of plants. I want to make one.

Our bike ride which was really hard work but great fun to ride along the coast.

We never manged to hire our Mustang for the trip. Loads on the road

Carmel beach
We watched the surfers playing

Cottage of sweets. We loaded up on English chocolates. $3.00 for a flake. So worth the money.

The flowers were amazing

Leon did some shopping

Santa Cruz Beach where we saw some whales playing. Thank goodness we did not need to take the boat trip out to see them.

Santa Cruz boardwalk

We hired bikes and road along Golden gate bridge.

Well deserved ice cream after out 2 hour bike ride.

We had to carry our bikes off the ferry afterwards. I made some comment about America been the land of convienance. My funny joke was not well received