We returned from five days in Monterey earlier today. It should have been a great getaway, but it seemed to fall a little flat. What used to be a magical destination for us now feels like just another place. And after thinking about it for a few hours, I think it's mostly our fault.
The first day started well enough. We arrived a little before check-in and went for a ride along the coast.
As I post the pictures, the one thing I notice is all were taken on the fly. We didn't stop once in the 20 miles. Go, go, go.
We arrived back at the hotel, the Holiday Inn Express on Wave Street, and checked in. Our room was newly renovated and immediately I experienced my first aggravation of the trip. They replaced the two nightstands with floating tabletops. Those nightstand drawers were where I used to dump all my cameras and electronics so I can use my backpack for walking. Instead all that stuff stayed in my backpack for the entire trip. They also replaced the dresser with a TV stand. It still had two drawers, but there wasn't nearly enough space for all my clothes, so I lived out of my duffel bag. Small issues, but the first dominoes of the week.
For dinner we went to one of our favorite places, the Alvarado Street Brewery. Like many restaurants lately, we found that they scaled back their menu. There wasn't much to choose from, and what we ended up with was not great. The portions were small and the prices high. We ended up ordering the calamari appetizer AFTER our meal because we were still hungry. Unfortunately it was undercooked and mushy. Anyone who knows me will say that I don't complain about food often. Stick it in front of me and I will consume it without a peep. But this time I felt compelled to make my feelings known on the credit slip, something I haven't done in at least a decade. We had zero complaints about the beer, though.
The next day we rode up north and did a short loop in Fort Ord. I really enjoy riding in there. I shot nothing but video on this ride, so here you go.
That evening we dined outside at Louie Linguini's. Although a bit cool and breezy, we enjoyed a great meal. The only downside was the big, creepy rat in a Hawaiian shirt.
Thursday morning we walked to the Red House Cafe in Pacific Grove for breakfast, which was delicious as always.
After breakfast, Jenn opted to do one of her MegaUltraWalkabouts ™ up to Seaside. I opted for another ride in Fort Ord.
The Fort Ord National Monument is 15,000 acres of awesomeness. The roads entering the area are gated off, so with the exception of the occasional government vehicle, you can enjoy a car-free experience.
There is something for everyone—paved roads, dirt roads, gravel trails and lots of singletrack trails.
Road intersections are well marked and all trails are numbered.
It's amazing how desolate it feels only a few short miles from civilization.
That evening we had a beer at Fieldwork and dined at Peter B's. Like many places, they have scaled back their hours (and menu). They are closed Tuesday and Wednesday, so this was our first opportunity to go there. Although I really miss the tri-tip chili they dropped from the menu, we were still pleased with our dinner.
The next day we rode north to the end of the trail.
It was cool and we battled a strong headwind for the entire 13 miles back to the hotel.
Later in the afternoon we went for a walk and watched the wildlife for a bit.
We ended up at Dust Bowl where the beer was really good but the scenery was even better. Seeing this handsome bastard was definitely the highlight of the day.
Wow. What a beautiful man. If Kentucky had a god, it would look a lot like him.
We had a light dinner at Peter B's again, and it was fine. We did a little shopping and walked back to the hotel. The sunset was nice.
The next morning we awoke to a little rain and wet roads. Neither of us seemed motivated to ride so we packed up and left.
Towards the end of our long drive home, Jennifer said we probably shouldn't go back to Monterey unless there is a compelling reason, such as escaping 110 degree temperatures at home. And I have to admit I was thinking the same thing. And that made me sad. The magic seemed to be dying.
When we first started vacationing in Monterey, our life was drastically different. We had jobs and responsibilities we needed a break from. We lived high in the foothills with narrow, hilly roads, and we often went weeks without riding together. The closest restaurant was over two miles away, and we had no brewery to walk to. It always felt like such a treat to roll out of our hotel room and have a bike trail literally 50 feet away, riding along the water and enjoying the fantastic scenery. Afterwards we could walk to any number of breweries or restaurants. Magic.
I guess we liked that lifestyle so much that we simply duplicated it to a certain degree when we moved to Folsom. Substitute a lake for the ocean and that very similar recipe bakes up into a satisfying and enjoyable lifestyle. It's been over a year and we still often can't believe our good fortune. Not every day is like vacation, but there are definitely days that feel like it—a long bike ride, a walk to the brewery, a walk to a restaurant. That's a pretty good day.
The reality is that Monterey is probably still the magical place it always was. We are the variable in the equation, and it is our new value that is now unknown. The X factor is the retired couple whose expectations have not changed in the 20 years we have been vacationing there. We need to find the value of "X" that still makes Monterey magical. The relaxation that used to be a downright necessity is not so valuable after retirement. Now we need something different. The value of X now should be adventure.
Another thing Jenn mentioned was that Monterey doesn't offer us anything we can't do at home now. That is true to a certain extent, but only because we made it that way. I think our initial excitement with living in Folsom quickly evolved into a bit of a rut. We ride a lot, and there are definitely days when the joy is lacking for me. It feels like riding is just about the number. The miles. The exercise. Getting out for a workout in an effort to live a healthy life is important, but I don't know if I am dealing well with the monotony.
On this trip I packed hiking shoes and hat, a frisbee and bocce balls. None of these were used.
We have been to Monterey countless times, and we have never gone kayaking, hiking, played disc golf, gone to a museum, or had a picnic on the beach. There are countless parks we have not explored.
As a lifelong bike nut, I have to wonder if some of life is passing me by as I stare at the road in front of me. Knocking out those miles. Go, go, go.
Kids will fall for the simplest of deceptions. Pull a quarter from behind their ear, and they will look at you with wide-eyed amazement. As we age, we have seen it all. A simple sleight of hand will not amaze us anymore. Make and elephant disappear? Sure. That would be something.
At the same time, we also don't seem to seek out any new tricks. We are too content with nodding our head politely at the same old rabbit-in-the-hat routine, and that is the problem. The secret to still believing in magic is continually pursuing it. Be your own magician and constantly strive to amaze yourself and your loved ones.
Learn the elephant trick. Make some wide-eyed amazement. Make that magic.
Later.
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