Windsor to Cannery Row

We tried to stay in Healdsburg, but ended up in Windsor. Just fine. But we learned something very valuable: dress a Holiday Inn Express up and it remains a Holiday Inn Express. Location is everything for a hotel and the very lovely suite we checked into became the room beside the rush-hour laden freeway at 7 a.m. the next morning.

We did not fight it, but gave thanks for the good night's sleep and we packed it up to hit the road for Monterey. We decided to eat breakfast out. We found Ana's Cafe and Espresso on Old Redwood Highway. Delightful. She greeted us with a smile and took our order (calling Sarah "Mija"). The food was really good and the coffee was great. Ana's bright and positive energy was infectious and a wonderful beginning to our day. If you ever find yourself in Windsor, check out the cafe. You won't be sorry.

Then we drove and drove and drove around San Francisco to Monterey Peninsula. Finally, after slow downs because of wrecks on the 580 and the 880, we found our way to Monterey. Beautiful. Our hotel is close to the water in very touristy proximity to Cannery Row. We had fun.

Grabbed a bite of lunch at Hula's Island Grill (which has absolutely nothing to do with Monterey). But it was still fun. Their Bahn Mi Bao Sliders were really good and they had a very different margarita made with passion fruit purée (sounds awful, but is pretty and really tasty).

Went shopping and actually bought a couple of things (and I don't do that). And Sarah wandered into the Pacific. She is, of course, part sea mammal.

Soaked but happy, we were headed back to the hotel when we noticed the bust of Edward Ricketts (Steinbeck based the character, "Doc," in Cannery Row on this guy). He was a biologist, writer, ecologist and the people of Monterey really loved him.

By the way, our hotel has this homage to Steinbeck in it's lanai area. Hmmm. Wonder what he would think of it?

This is our last night in a hotel. I can't say I am sorry about that. It has been wonderful. Expensive, but wonderful. I have enjoyed it. The best part of the trip has been the beauty of the countryside and getting to remember fall (yeah, like seasons...you remember what those are) and Sarah. Getting to spend this time with my daughter has been so important. Singing in churches and experiencing other ways of doing church has stretched my liturgical imagination. All the driving has taught me to relax when it's time to relax and to just follow the road when information isn't forthcoming (maybe Sarah taught me that). I think these will be necessary skills in our future together.

I know that this has been one of the greatest gifts I have ever been given. I want you all to know that I look forward to being with you again and to share with you some of what I have discovered about this journey. One more day of travel and then homecoming.

Tomorrow: Big Sur! and home!!

 

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