Petra

On one of our first nights in Pacific Grove we checked out a Middle eastern restaurant called Petra that we hadn't even known existed. It was definitely spacious and I guess we had a pita-dipping fest (see above).

Steinbeck Cottage

As a man who lived in Monterey County for approximately 14 years, it was meaningful to stay in John Steinbeck's old cottage in Pacific Grove (now an AirBnB). Along with unmistakable PG charm, the place came with the ghost of Steinbeck grappling with novels and marriages in the early 1940s. A great little nugget of literary tourism and historic preservation.

Tarpy's revisited '24

This time we ate outside and the food was excellent. An occasional plane flew overhead - reminder that we were right next to the airport. I think there was an interesting soup but I can't remember the details (possibly cauliflower?).

Gonzales, CA

It was surreal to stop at the square in Gonzales, CA for a few minutes to use the restroom. It was a familiar place that I hadn't been to in years. But it still exists, whether I'm there or not.

petit-déjeuner

Our breakfast (petit-déjeuner in French) at Petit Soleil was small (petit in French) but pretty good - quiche, coffee and juice.

Splash Cafe

What was once a bakery adjacent to Petit Soleil is now evidently closed.

Papa's Thai Cafe

It just so happened that the nearest appealing dinner venue, Papa's Thai Cafe, was in a space I recognized from years ago. We had lunch here once, back when it was a Middle Eastern restaurant. Mrs. did not remember that, so I did the research and - sure enough - I found a 2020 news article in the SLO Tribune saying that the former home of the Jaffa Café was now a new Thai restaurant.

apéritif

One of many nice features of Petit Soleil was this complimentary apéritif - a cocktail beverage plus snacks. All good and in a pleasant, casual café atmosphere.

Petit Soleil

I had driven by this SLO bed & breakfast many times over the years, so it was meaningful to finally stay here. It did not disappoint! It actually exceeded my expectations. It was both very charmant and functional, which is all we ever asked for.

 

Field Day Coffee

A new coffee venue in SLO, one I had first noticed when I went to the Volvo dealership across the street. This place looks like it used to be an auto shop. Based on the coffee and the ambience I must say I liked it.

 

Novo revisited '24

Always delightful because of its enchanting creekside patio, the food on this visit was also delightful. Among the highlights were salmon bisque and some sort of matching refreshing lemonade concoction.

p.H.s. part 3

whale watching '24, part 2

It's always nice when we go whale watching and actually see whales. No gray whales but seven humpbacks blowing their spouts and slapping their pectorals in Santa Barbara Channel. Sometimes they appeared to travel in pairs.  All in all great conditions to be out on the channel.

whale watching '24

 

What was neat about our last trip out on Island Packers was the band of snow visible on the mainland mountains. The photos here don't do it justice, but for a person with the right camera this was a golden opportunity to get the Anacapa Arch with a band of snow running through it.

Mrs. doing what she does well...

...on Easter.

the coastal turbulence of 3-30-24

The Greek

We gave this restaurant a second chance and I liked it. It helped that we sat by a window with a view of the harbor and some big fishing boats. The food seemed decent as well.

Ventura Spirits

I must have passed this tasting room a hundred times on the bike path so it was meaningful to finally take the plunge. It was great - craft spirits made from local agricultural by-products (like Pixie tangerines with imperfections). To me their best creations tasted like port wine.

Museum of Ventura County

 

Among other things, there was an exhibit on the history of laundry.

the break on Brakey Road

Obviously the rains are taking a toll on the hillsides and old, closed roads like this one. Makes you rethink your notion of solid ground.

Puya coerulea

Strolling in the botanical garden, this pink protrusion caught my attention.