Hope, Dream,     Travel
  • "We travel not to escape life, but for life not to escape us"

August 03rd, 2017

8/3/2017

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Once again, a brand new day in Carmel

 I've found myself longing for the Carmel coast.  Fortunately, I was able to re-visit.

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Some of my best memories here have been on this bench, with a take-out container, my journal, a favorite pen,  and most of all, my thoughts, including hopes, and dreams...

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Here's my view to the left.  Beauty everywhere you look.

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Somehow, when the sun sets, a new vibe sets in.  As if it was not beautiful enough during the day, a new sensation takes hold, as the sun descends.  Being from the East Coast , I was never able to explain it, I only knew I yearned to experience it.  My first Californian  sunset, was three years ago and every time I visit, I venture down to the beach, bundled up from the evening chill, with the excitement as a child on Christmas morning, all over again. The giant ball of sunshine sinks over the ocean. It dips lightly, gently,  a powerful image to comprehend. Illuminating not only the coastline but my inner being.  Gazing at it... I want to take in every second. I know it won't last. This moment not to return...ever. I'll long for this sight, this feeling.  Taking a picture to remind myself of this when I get home, and then, I look at the photo and back at the sunset and appreciate I will never be able to capture this image the way it appears. It is a "life moment" that is only to be realized at that moment in time. It is not meant to be relived. It is meant to be soaked into my soul for that period of time. And, I'm just thankful.

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Carmel Mission

1/3/2017

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Walking through neighborhoods of quaint homes and hilly streets, I'd wondered if I'd taken the right directions, then, I looked up and saw it. It was just like the pictures I'd seen over the years. I dreamed of walking through it's tranquil paths, smelling it's fragrant flowers and feeling a sense of spiritual calmness in the gardens and within it's walls. The Carmel Mission
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Entering,  I was filled with wonder, as I read it's history since 1771. It was built on the site of the original adobe church with stone quarried from the nearby Santa Lucia Mountains. It was the first California Mission Church to be built from stone.
I entered the small gift shop, where I looked to purchase a very small cross necklace.
The sales clerk helped me to find the very right one,  just what I was looking for. 
She inquired why I wanted such a small necklace? I replied, "I feel God often reveals Himself in the smallest ways, and this small cross reminds me to look for me to look for them". We seemed to become instant friends and realized we had a common bond sharing the same birthday (which had just passed), and many other interests. That friendship has lasted a couple years now, and I am so thankful God led me there at that moment, that day.  I had planned on going to the mission the day before, but was unable to, as the day just "got away" from me. I found out, if I had gone then, my dear friend wouldn't have been working, so we may have never met. during my stay in Carmel, her and her friend took me to see the sunset in Pebble Beach to enjoy hearing the famous evening bagpiper as the sun goes down. A daily tradition since the Inn at Spanish Bay opened. 
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As I stepped from the bright sunlight
into the opening to the basilica,
I was immediately touched by the radiance and beauty of my surroundings, my eyes drawn to the altar.

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Looking around at all the beautiful glass windows. I noticed a crack in one of them, but the sun still shone through, radiant.  That broken window wasn't replaced, it was still beautiful, through it's imperfection. Reminding me of a devotion I'd written years ago "Broken, But Still Blessed."  How God can still use us through our imperfections to bless us and others.
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I found my place in an old wooden pew, which was evident that many others before me had also settled into this very seat

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I look back on that day, and am so thankful I was given the opportunity to  meet a special friend, and experience a beautiful broken window to remind me, it's okay not to be perfect. being imperfect, we can still shine through
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A stroll through town and cozy lunches

9/20/2015

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One of my favorite things, was to to stumble upon quaint restaurants tucked along the side streets and secret passageways in Carmel
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With over 40 courtyards and secret passageways to explore, how could I begin to come upon
them all?  Can you imagine?
Well, I was going to try..
I walked along finding  unexpectedness in each one.  Restaurants, shops, art galleries & florists... all enchanting.  The courtyards started in the 1920s, when Hugh Comstock's fairy-tale houses and shops were built.  This was going to take more than one day, good thing I extended my stay. After picking up a few great items ( I love to find items to support the local artists in the town I am visiting)  I decided to find a place to rest a bit and re-energize with lunch


This one was perfect!

 Patisserie Boissiere
                         
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With still a bit of a chill in the early day,  the warmth of the fireplace was more than I could have asked for, while enjoying a delicious mid-day meal
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You're never too old to wander through a candy store The Sweet Shop in Carmel did not disappoint..
"Where else is the air content labeled, '5 calories per sniff?'  LOL
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One of the first restaurants I found, had patio dining (so many establishments offered this in Carmel)  They had me at that! This one,  I could have visited back to dine every day, but there were so many,  I wanted to experience them all!  Forge in the Forest.
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A very dog friendly town...some restaurants even had dog bowls for these cute canines

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This one in particular was very dog friendly

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Another great restaurant I spotted, during my stay was nestled high above the tree lined street.
The Tree House Cafe.
What a delight to enjoy a late lunch and a glass of wine, while reminiscing about the day and the evening beach picnic later to watch the sunset


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This is just a few of my favorite places in Carmel. Too many to list in one post.
  I'll look forward to sharing the rest in the near future. Stay tuned...

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Point Lobos...Where Nature Meets the Sea

7/1/2015

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One of the sights I was most looking forward to visiting was, Point Lobos  
Just south of Carmel-by-the-Sea, it's at the north end of of the Big Sur coast of the Pacific Ocean.
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I started at The Tuck Box, with a great little box lunch consisting of a turkey sandwich, fresh fruit and a scone. I then called Uber service for a ride to Point Lobos. They dropped me off at the park entrance and my journey began...It was as if I'd entered a different world.



Tranquility was found here

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The paths were not as easy as I first thought,  but they were manageable for me.  I'm glad I'd starting walking a month before this trip, even if it was only a couple miles a day. I think  it helped.
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Some of the trails were a bit more challenging,  but my excitement mixed with the serenity of this place, kept me moving forward. Finally, I saw an opening where I could see the water
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I had found my place to enjoy my box lunch.  As much as I could have stayed here longer, I made my way back up the steps to see where the next path would lead

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I made my way down a long narrow set of steps, that opened to what seemed to be my own private beach

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The next open view, I could see harbor seals sunbathing on the shore
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Every turn revealed a view even more spectacular than the last

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Quite a few of the paths were a bit rocky, while some were a little easier to navigate.


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 I walked along a lot of the coastline, and although I knew I wouldn't be able to cover it all in one day, I went at a pace where I could enjoy what I was seeing
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I was also amazed at the flowers and plant life that grew amongst the rocky terrain
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A little lizard ran across my path, and startled me for a moment.  I'm not used to seeing them running around.  I tried to get a picture, but it moved too fast!
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I couldn't wait to visit the Cypress Grove Trail, since one of my favorite things here are the cypress trees
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I haven't written as much in this post, because I think the pictures speak for themselves.  It was so gorgeous, there are just no words words to describe it...

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A picture is worth a thousand words

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A couple more rocky paths... had to watch my step!
 


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What an amazing sight, seeing the forest, meadow and sea together

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All together, I walked about four miles of these tranquil paths.  This is one place, I cannot wait to visit again and explore more of the beauty of nature, Point Lobos has to offer!
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My Little Seaside Cottage

6/4/2015

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Like entering into
a 1920's era fairytale

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I wanted  to experience the quaintness that Carmel is known for, so I changed gears and stayed in an old little seaside cottage built in the 1920's for a couple days at Edgemere Cottages.  Approaching with my bags,  I felt as though I was entering into a a 1920's era fairytale.  The smell of fresh lavender mingled with the scents of other herbs and flowers infused the air, enticing me to follow slate lined passages. It lead to a patio area with a small table and chairs where I was greeted by a friendly gray tabby cat.  I looked up to see a Myer Lemon Tree boasting its sunshiny fruit amongst flowers of every color.

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Ferns co-existed with geraniums, calla lilies and small garden architecture.
The next couple mornings I awoke and made my way into the main house for a hot cup of coffee and enjoyed it in the cottage garden courtyard wrapped in a warm jacket,  large scarf, and slippers.  The fragrance of lavender intoxicated the air as the sound of crashing waves from one direction harmonized with the sound of 1920's music wafting from my cottage.
Crooked trees peered from behind small containers of flowers, herbs and cacti surrounding the patio. Both mornings I hoped for the sun to peek out and cast its warm glow on me.  There is a saying here, "If you don't like the weather, wait ten minutes."

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The fragrance of the garden and the sound of the waves...so soothing

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The two cats that live here only add to the quaintness of the property and greeted you at different turns. This must be a cats dream to live here! So many nooks and crannies of paths and courtyards to wander around in. 

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Each morning I made my way through arched doorways, as old floors creaked upon my arrival into the main house for a breakfast of fresh fruit, quiche and muffins that the owners prepared for the guests that met in the dining area.

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As I enjoyed my breakfast, low chatter of guests and Louis Armstrong music from the radio played as I gazed out a large set of windows, into yet another courtyard with bird feeders and flowers everywhere.

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I peered around the room, noticing collections of blue and purple glass bottles perched in front of small high windowsills.  The light from outside filtered  through them, casting a glow from their colors into the room, which peacefully co-existed wit the mix matched pottery, old books and bowls overflowing with trinkets. The food and the atmosphere were just perfect! Each day, I'd left there feeling content with another cup of coffee to enjoy back in my cottage next to the fireplace, ready to start another full day of living in Carmel!

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Monterey, here I come...

6/3/2015

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I think I'll take a step back and start with first arriving in California.  A little backstory. Carmel, is a place, I'd only dreamed about. So, for my 50th birthday my family surprised me with a trip.  Not just any trip, the trip to my dream destination! More than I could've imagined. Being a business owner, it's hard to get away from the store to take a little R&R time.  They even helped with scheduling, so that was one less thing on my mind as I set out to fulfill what had always been a daydream.

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I took off from the Philadelphia airport very early in the morning, hoping to enjoy a full day when I arrived. As if this couldn't get any more ideal, the song "California Dreamin' came on un-expectantly on my headphones just as the plane was traveling down the runway and lifted off.  It was official, I was on my way...I arrived in Monterey to an on and off drizzly day with quite a chill in  the air.  Occasionally, the sun would peek out. I'd wondered for a brief moment, if all the anticipation I had build up in my mind would be less than I had expected.  But, I was in California after all, so all was good and I was going to make the best of it.

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 I arrived at my hotel, Intercontinental The Clement Monterey, where I was graciously greeted by the staff.  Everything was welcoming, the atmosphere, the fragrance in the air and especially the sitting area with large glass windows and fireplace.  Getting quickly settled in my room,  I looked out the window to view part of Cannery Row. I'd decided to briefly visit the sitting area and take a quick rest next to the fire and take in the wonder of the day. By then, I was ready to get started again taking in the sights, even though it had already been quite a long day and a three hour time difference. Guess where I found myself visiting first?  After all, a Nestle Toll House cookie and a cup of coffee can help jet lag, right?

I then walked to the nearby town of Pacific Grove, which had beautiful
views of the ocean.
 

 
Pacific Grove
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Cannery Row is the waterfront street, also the setting of John Steinbeck's famous novel ,
"Cannery Row"
written in 1945

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Next, I headed down Cannery Row towards historic Fisherman's Wharf.  I walked along the many seafood restaurants and souvenir shops linings its boards.
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Artists and photographers took the opportunity to capture the scenery

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After a full afternoon of exploring Monterey, I headed back to the oasis of my hotel. I had a great dinner overlooking the water and watching seagulls swoop onto the surrounding dock hoping to catch tourists crumbs. The melody of a solo guitarist topped off the mood of the evening as I savored each bite of my delicious cuisine.


My husband must have informed them I was there for my 50th birthday, because, what a delight for them to bring me a
Complimentary Birthday Dessert!

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 After dinner I found myself beckoned back to the warmth of the hearthside flames warming not only my body, but my soul. The past fifteen years had become reality.  
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The next morning, I awoke to a great breakfast overlooking the water again.  Plenty glorious sunshine today! Then with bags packed, I was ready to begin my next journey to my destination, Carmel, CA



Enjoy the photo gallery below:

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California Dreamin'  My first West Coast sunset

6/1/2015

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At first, no words, just breathtaking...
Here I am, sitting on the Carmel beach, my first evening here. I have waited over fifteen years for this moment, and I'd finally slipped into the dream.
  I was in awe after spending a full day wandering around crooked streets and flower filled courtyards, all brimming with character in every corner.


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 Coming across a great local market, I found everything for a small picnic dinner on the beach. I made my way through streets of enchanted cottages. I never got tired of seeing the individual character of each one, like snowflakes lining street after street, all so different, all so quaint.
I made my way down a set of steps onto the beach.
I just sat there, listening to the sound of aqua-blue waves crash against the white sand beach. Trying to somehow capture the moment, second by second, so I might rewind it over and over again one day, when I needed this memory. The sun started lowering in position to set soon.  A full bright circle just hovering in the mid sky. My body settled into the sand,  as I breathed in the crisp sea air.  I had captured my feeling of contentment.

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As I sat there barefoot, the warm sand comforted my feet.  A lone surfer zigzaged through the crest of waves as it neared the coastline. I looked behind me to see a  carpet of flowering succulent plants wrapping the dunes. Cypress trees lying behind them.
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Shadows of Cypress trees also outlined the mountainous skyline as dark clouds wafted over the sunny day. Silhouettes of people running with dogs were visible in every direction on the shoreline. A crowd had started to gather to see the spectacular sunset show that was soon to begin. Everyone from artists, photographers, small tourist groups, families, people dressed formally to get that perfect picture, couples, and people just walking alone to seek a bit of solitude. I was amazed at all the people walking their dogs, a very dog friendly town. Which, I just loved!
The sun slowly lowered into a long line of dark clouds. It re-appeared, and began it's slow decent. I watched  mesmerized by the sight of it.  It looked like a large yellow ball slowly being dipped into the ocean, until it  was completely gone.

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 I could no longer see its brilliance. Only a bright glow, where it had been, which grew dimmer each minute.
I brushed the soft, sugary sand from my feet, as I gathered all my things. The cool chill made me even more aware, this was not a dream, I was actually here.
 By now, people began to retreat to the cypress lined streets layered with  jackets and their canine companions by their side. 
 

What a moment in time! I thank God for His wondrous creation and that I had the opportunity for the experience.

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I found I adapted quite well to the weather there, as it wasn't typically my ideal weather, I actually began to like it. It wasn't that warm. Apparently their summer differs from my location on the East Coast. I was informed by locals, summer arrives September/October. The days only reached a high of about 60-62 degrees, so by evening, a heavy sweater and jacket was needed.
I actually changed three times a day. The mornings were a bit chilly and cloudy when I was there, the afternoons were very pleasant. One evening I bundled up with two layers and walked down to the beach, being sure not to miss a sunset, due to the chill.
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    Kimberly Rose


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