adventures in marriage

Looking for a place to celebrate our four year wedding anniversary, that would also fit into a three day weekend, we decided on the Central Coast town of Moss Landing. Our get~a~way to this tiny place (population 300) located on the shores of Monterey Bay seemed perfect. We found a lovely Bed & Breakfast located right at the mouth of Elkhorn Slough
the largest salt marsh in California aside from San Francisco. Almost right from our B & B we could go for a paddle, take a hike, walk to dinner, even go antiquing. And, as a bonus, we'd take the route through Big Sur on the way up.

Packing our enthusiasm and kayaks we headed north...





Big Sur, California

There is no place like Big Sur.

It's magical, mystical, meditative, magnificent.

Here is the mouth of the Big Sur River at

Andrew Molera State Park.

It's a short hike from the highway to the shore,

about one mile.

Walking along the river, we saw deer.

We're here! at the Captain's Inn. We can hear sea lions barking out on the water and the fog horn blowing. I can tell this salty air is going to give me an appetite.

My husband, sweetie, ordered the

Romance package as a surprise.

These roses were among the treats waiting for us in our room!

Dinner was fantastic, prepared with local and organic foods. This restaurant doubled as an art gallery.

We could dine and admire the colorful paintings.

We sat under a portrait of Frida.

Next morning we are up and out with the tide to paddle the Elkhorn Slough.The only things up with us were the otters, sea lions, seals, many birds and...

Pelicans! lot's of them. Good morning guys! they hardly gave us a glance, we watched them preen for awhile (holding my breath, because good grief they smell!)

And then we got busy paddling. The slough goes about six miles inland, where it finally comes to an end. We wanted to see it. All six miles of it. Which would be twelve miles round trip. We agreed that I'd go as far as I could and then Chuck would tow me if I needed it. Which I was pretty sure I would. It's a long way to paddle even when your in shape!

After a few hours of blissful nature watching and kayaking, we hugged our boats together and floated along while eating our brownbag breakfast, compliments of the Inn. Seals popped up their heads, as curious of us as we were of them. They have such soulful eyes. You wonder what their thinking.

We made it! we're at the end of Elkhorn Slough. We found another put in place, you can launch your kayak from either end it seems. We also found these all white pelicans! they were very shy and wanted nothing to do with our bright blue and yellow boats. I got photos with my film camera, but these will have to do for now. They are really lovely.

And then, not more than ten minutes into the return, the wind picked up, I felt fatigue setting in, not to mention a nice blister on my thumb from the paddle. Chuck looked at me, smiled and winked, your getting towed honey.

I wasn't going to be stubborn like I normally am.

Here is what it looks like with the tow line attached.

We made it back in half the time, since we didn't stop for quite as many photos. And I helped. A little.

Back in the harbor we passed this huge group of Harbor Seals, it was hard to get a good photo because every time I put down my paddle, the current would pull me towards them. These guys are in normal resting behaviour, but if they feel threatened they could stampede and you don't want to be near that in a little kayak. So, the camera had to get put away. Bye guys!

Back to dry land to eat and explore the town a bit...

It feels so good to walk after six hours in a boat...

The temperatures were perfect, for a romantic get~a~way...

Even the sunset made it's contribution to this weekend

On our last night we went to this fabulous fish restaurant, walking through the harbor at night was especially lovely, all the lights twinkling on the water. We clinked our iced tea glasses (still no champagne for me, yet...) and ate delicious lobster and halibut. And to die for chocolate cake. Ummm.

Going home now, back through magical Big Sur,

we've one more stop to make...

Nepenthe

A favorite place, this famous restaurant

Perched on the majestic cliffs of California's Big Sur

mosaic by Kaffe Fassett

"Nepenthe has become a cultural icon synonymous with Big Sur and the free-living bohemian lifestyle"

And really tempting food

If you'd like to read more about Nepenthe, this beautiful storybook with recipes is available at all good book sellers, or you might just want to go to the Phoenix Gift Shop to get your own copy.

My Nepenthe

Bohemian Tales of Food, Family, and Big Sur

Romney Steele

More magic, California's Giant Redwoods

One last stop before home, we saw more of the white pelicans here at Morrow Bay, on our way up the coast. Chuck's out there getting photos of them, while I wait i'm thinking what I liked best about our romance weekend. He always wants to know. Was it the hikes or the dinners?

the paddling or the roses? the pelicans?

It's always the same for me. I'll tell him I liked best that

I got to go. It's always a privilege. And even better,

that it was with him.

I also like sharing here too.

I hope you've enjoyed.

♥

lori