High's to Low's

We've had such a lovely time in Big sur that we really don't want it to end. Thus after breakfast and packing our bags we decide to go on the midday hike. This is a paid excursion that lasts about 2-3 hours that visits one of the many hiking areas around big sur with a guide. In essence its much like yesterdays walk only longer and off property. Deciding what to do today was a toss up between the hike and heading to Monterey early, as we're only there for one night, so we cross fingers and hope we've made the right decision.

The hike is wonderful. We head about 10 miles south from the spa in our cars and then head inland on foot. The track quickly defends into the redwood forest and then heads uphill following a river that we're told forms further up from a natural spring (we ask if its drinkable but are told that while its pure further up its probably a little risky this low down as theres properties further up).

After following the, sometimes narrow, path for about 35 mins we get to a 15 foot waterfall. Its very picturesque (the whole trip has been really) and I take off my shoes and wade over to it. Isabella has slightly better shoes than me and is able to navigate the rocks in the river like stepping stones and we stand together just in front of the fall as the guide takes our picture.

After the waterfall we head back to the cars to collect a packed lunch and then head down the road opposite towards the sea. At the bottom is a little rocky cove with a few pebble towers made by previous hikers. Its quite a lovely place but we're not eating here. We head through a small tunnel and find ourselves standing up on a cliff overlooking the sea. Ignoring a stop/warning sign we walk out to the edge and sit down for lunch. Bliss.

Unfortunately thats it for Big Sur and we begin the drive to Monterey crossing our fingers its not a big let down after the wonderful time we've just had. It really couldn't have been more different. The hotel isn't great despite being labelled as a luxury hotel. The room, while decent sized, has odd pillars in it that make it claustrophobic. It also has just one small window and a tiny balcony that has a 10 foot wall on 3 sides. 

We head into town and find a nice place for a crepe but most of the main street is tourist fair and such. We head inland and find an ok BBQ joint and decide to eat and get an early night. The food is decent and our good spirits from earlier carry us through. In fact we think that somehow despite the big let down we've still had a decent time and in the end fall asleep watching big bang theory.

Tomorrow we head to Napa to begin our wine odyssey. We're in a B&B so we've no idea what to expect in terms of quality. It can't be as bad as this surely?

This is paradise!

Looking back I’m sure we’ll easily see this as the best day of our honeymoon. It starts with a nice continental breakfast followed by a guided tour of the spa grounds. The guide is a local that seems to know just about anyone who was ever famous. Stories are told about Neil Young, Clint Eastwood and it even turns out he lives next to Flea from the chilli’s!

After the tour we have about an hour to chill so Isabella decides to do a little reading while I relax in the hot tub with the new york times.

Then the main event. A couples experience in the spa. It all begins with about 30 mins in the japanese hot baths and sauna.Afterwards we’re treated to a bubble bath together with a nice cup of team. Once we’re all soaked and relaxed we’re given an hour long deep tissue massage each. We practically float out of the room and I’m so relaxed I fall asleep back in the room for 3 hours while Isabella goes for a swim in the pool and does some more reading.

Later that evening feeling refreshed we head out to a local restaurant called Nepenthe. Its set out on a cliff and the views are amazing. We are seated near the fire and order cocktails and a 3 course meal. In the end we actually take the pudding home as despite all the sleep we’re starting to fade already. 

Once back in the room we open a bottle of wine and end up watching point break while eating our banana pie. We fall asleep utterly content.

Paul

The road to Big Sur

Today is the biggest road trip of the whole honeymoon. Its a 4 hour trip that starts with a long freeway drive but then hits a winding cliff road.
We set off first thing and I put the foot down trying to reduce the freeway time. Even at 80mph (limit is 65 over here) it still takes 2.5 hours to reach our lunch spot of Cambria. The time is passed listening to our new rap cd (see post about venice beach) and a cool radio station playing show tunes from the 50's
By the time we get there we're rather stiff. We briefly drive through Cambria but its very small and we're only really there to take a look at the beach. At the end of the high street theres a little road that leads to a little scenic spot overlooking the beach. Its overcast and windy but we're grateful for the chance to stretch our legs and have a little picnic lunch. We also get to watch a pretty cool surfer down in the sea.
We set off again and shortly hit the cliff roads that lead into big sur. It mixes 55mph straight roads with sharp corners and hairpins that are signed 25-35mph. To start with we get caught behind a slow old man but eventually he pulls over to let us through and we're able to open up the engine. Taking the corners at 40 makes me feel like I'm playing outrun! I even start humming Magical Sound shower.
Eventually we get to our final stop the Ventana Spa.
Wow, this place is amazing. We're welcomed with a wonderful glass of wine and a free upgrade which gives us a hot tub on out balcony. We're then treated to cheeses and drinks. One of the cheeses is a very creamy and salty Brie. Or at least I thought it was. Turns out it was Camembert which I was always told was smelly and not as good as Brie, so either I was lied to or I actually really like it ;)
Rest of the evening is spent in the Japanese hot baths and having a nice meal in the restaurant.

Paul