Monterey

After reaching the heights at Pinnacles, we sought out the depths of the Pacific Ocean at the Monterey Bay Aquarium. 

The aquarium, established and funded by the Packard family of computer fame, is ranked among the top aquariums (aquaria) in the country.  Our day began with a behind-the-scenes tour of the jellyfish exhibit where we learned that they are 95% water and have no heart, spine or brain.  A group of jellies is a smack.

These egg yolk jellies are ingesting a moon jelly.

These Kreisel Tanks create a circular flow that simulates their natural ocean environment.

The jellyfish were firmer than expected and felt kind of like plastic.

After the tour we explored exhibits of local and international sea creatures.  These exhibits continue to be both educational and enchanting.

We took a rest stop to watch the penguin’s dine.

Yielding to popular demand, the aquarium redesigned the jellyfish display.  Previously, there were many tanks of multiple types of jellies.  These are difficult to maintain, so they have been replaced by hands on activities which Anna Lee found to be educationally disappointing considering the excellent job they have done with the other exhibits.  And the music was so jarring Jeff complained to a docent who said there had been many complaints.

For some perverse reason, Anna Lee craves seafood after visiting aquariums.  We followed a docent’s recommendation and drove to Pacific Grove to dine at Passionfish, known for excellent and sustainable cuisine.  It was the first official “green” restaurant in the county.  We do apologize but we so enjoyed eating we forgot to take a picture.  Trust us and stop in here when you are in the area.  We know we’ll be back.

We topped off our dinner with homemade ice cream at a little shop where the owner lined his walls, floor to ceiling, with Beatles memorabilia and antique children’s books.  Anna Lee found a fairy tale book, Stories That Never Grow Old, published in the 1930s that had belonged to her cousin and is now waiting for Bennett to enjoy.

In the morning, the blue sky and warm air called to us.  We did a 10K volksmarch along the coast to Lovers Point enjoying murals, harbor seals, and perfect weather. 

The sign-in spot for the walk is at Lopez’ Tacqueria.  We have enjoyed lunch there before and were happy to take Jeff for two authentic Mexican lunches.  The store sells primarily liquor and lacks a ratings label on the window.  Based upon appearances it may seem a questionable choice for dining but it really is good.

We regretted leaving the beautiful coast but had to return home and bid farewell to Jeff.  He returns to snow and we return to a drought cloaked in sunshine and mild temperatures.