Carmel Road Trip

[Tommyboy]

Iz and I have been working like dogs for the past 10 weeks and really needed a getaway. Lack of funds, foreboding weather, unannounced visitors, and minor health issues couldn't stop us. Saturday morning we were up and packed and headed to Carmel for the holiday weekend.

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Our first stop was Santa Margarita. The was a park for our GS Adventure right out front of the Porch Cafe on Hwy 58. We had a respectable breakfast burrito there, sufficient sustinance to get us the rest of the way there.

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This was my first attempt to use the multi-functional bag liners strapped to the side cases. They worked great. We like to pack a lot, so plenty of room for sweats, windbreakers, tennis shoes, etc. The raised the center of gravity a bit, but nothing too serious.

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This was also Iz's first trip after installing the backrest on the top case. Not as cushy as the one on our old RT, but she did report that it was much more comfortable than without.

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Here's Iz hugging the motorcycle during a rest stop by the Big Creek Bridge on Hwy 1. Her posture would indicate that the back pad is working.

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Found this lonely F650 in some of Carmel's dedicated motorcycle parking. Nice.

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There were hundreds of people at Carmel Beach on Sunday, but I managed to get this shot with no one in it. Believe me, they were there.

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Random Carmel beauty. If you go in for the "charming European village" sort of thing, Carmel is your place. Getting expensive, though. We go about every 9 months or so, and it's noticeably higher every time we go.

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This was our first visit to San Carlos Borromeo de Carmelo Mission, a fascinating historical structure.

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Among other things, it is the final resting place of Fray Junipero Serra.

Views from the San Carlos Borromeo de Carmelo Mission

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I don't know if it's because I was raised in the Catholic Church or because as a Californian 4th grader I studied the missions, but I found this site fascinating and would recommend it as a worthwhile stop for anyone interesting in church or California history.

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Took a cruise through some Monterey neighborhoods on Monday mornign before heading back home.

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The trip to Carmel is worth it, if for no other reason than you can ride Hwy 1 to get there and take this road, Carmel Valley Road, to get home. Miles and miles of tree-lined canopy and twists and turns aplenty. Fun, fun, fun.

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Inspired by San Carlos Borromeo de Carmelo Mission, while cruising down the 101, I checked "attractions" on the Zumo and found I was right by Mission San Miguel. Here's Iz posing during a all-too-brief rest stop.

No sooner than it began, it was over. Not enough time to plan or to enjoy, we had a pretty good time nonetheless. It's back to work but we can now see the light at the end of the tunnel and our school years will soon be a memory.

Thanks for looking. What few photos remain can be seen here (http://www.snc1923.smugmug.com/gallery/3824114/1).

[Moni]

Thanks for the pics! I'll be in Carmel myself on Saturday. I'll make sure to get to the mission.

[ian408]

Ah the RT. Weren't you on the RT when I saw you in Torrey?

I'm with you on the mission tour :thumb I've stopped at many including Santa
Clara (it's right down the street). About the only ones I've not been to are
San Rafael and the Southern most in San Diego.

Oh yeah, check out my new ride (http://ian408.smugmug.com/photos/220272461-M.jpg). I can't wait to get back to Carmel Valley Road :lol3

[Tommyboy]

Ah the RT. Weren't you on the RT when I saw you in Torrey?

I'm with you on the mission tour :thumb I've stopped at many including Santa
Clara (it's right down the street). About the only ones I've not been to are
San Rafael and the Southern most in San Diego.

Oh yeah, check out my new ride (http://ian408.smugmug.com/photos/220272461-M.jpg). I can't wait to get back to Carmel Valley Road :lol3

Oh, Dude, you're the man! A KTM? Sweet. . . . That bike would eat Carmel Valley alive. More pics!

Believe it or not, I haven't been to Torrey (with a beemer group). I think we met on the Lighthouse tour? Or was it something else? Anyway, I was on the RT for 40K. I've only had the GSA for six months, so only 14K so far. . . .:ivar

[Tommyboy]

Thanks for the pics! I'll be in Carmel myself on Saturday. I'll make sure to get to the mission.

And if you like good food, large portions, if a bit pricey, check out Katy's for breakfast. In a word: fabulous.

[ian408]

Oh, Dude, you're the man! A KTM? Sweet. . . . That bike would eat Carmel Valley alive. More pics!

Believe it or not, I haven't been to Torrey (with a beemer group). I think we met on the Lighthouse tour? Or was it something else? Anyway, I was on the RT for 40K. I've only had the GSA for six months, so only 14K so far. . . .:ivar

Yeah. Definitely the lighthouse tour. But I could have sworn middle of nowhere
at Torrey. I was on my GS with my buddy Sean--two years ago? No group
thing. I'm gettin' old :rofl

I just did CVR on my GT. What a kick. I'm looking forward to a short trip :D

I'll post a journey tale with some pix.

[Dogdots]

Loved the photos---I haven't been to Carmel in a few years. Makes me want to plan another trip :D

[Dee]

I was in Carmel last year, and we got a short trip down the coast (by auto!). It's been several years since I stopped at the mission, and your photos of it are great! I need to go back.

[GovMule]

Tommy,
Just ran into your shots while searching Monterey. Love the staircase shot. Wonderful !