The Road to Monterey–Elkhorn Slough and Salinas (CA)
(click on photos to enlarge)
We’d heard about gas prices in the SF Bay Area being the highest in the nation, nevertheless it was still a shock to keep the rental car filled. It also made us think twice about traveling too far afield. Even so, we decided the expense to drive down the coast to Monterey would be worth it and we had a pretty economical car. Gas in Tucson was running about $3.30.
Our first and unplanned stop was at Elkhorn Slough–a place I’d heard a lot about but had never visited. We noticed an American White Pelican sitting on the shoreline of one of the ponds and decided to drive in. Good move. The many floating objects on the water in the channel which we presumed to be seals turned out to be Sea Otters — all 40 of them. They were mostly laying lazily on their backs, snoozing and floating along with the current.
At one point were were able to get quite close to some otters that were feeding on mussels attached to a piling.
Mmm, I love raw shellfish!
Very cute indeed.
On the other side of the channel we could hear seals but were not sure where the sound was coming from. Then we noticed a long pier that extended out into the water. Every Harbor Seal in the area must have decided to haul out on that pier!
We drove over to the pier side of the channel and were able to view the mass of seals from a better vantage point. The seals were piled on this pier 3 and 4 deep! Bulls, females and young, sleeping, trying to sleep, squabbling, sunning.
The bottom tier of seals must have been quite uncomfortable, yet they all seemed willing to endure the crowded conditions just to remain on the pier. Some even looked downright comfortable!
We then diverted a bit from the most direct route to Monterey so we could visit the John Steinbeck Museum in Salinas along with his birthplace and boyhood home. I’m sure everyone is familiar with his most famous books — “The Grapes of Wrath” and “Of Mice and Men,” but for me his writings about the colorful characters of old Monterey are among the best. My two favorites are “Cannery Row” and “Tortilla Flat.”
The Steinbeck House and Restaurant
We were pleasantly surprised to find a wonderfully preserved Victorian home run by a non-profit volunteer organization, as well as a restaurant in the house which serves a fantastic lunch. Luckily for us, we arrived there just in time! If you’re ever in Salinas at lunch time, this is a must. The food is reasonable and delicious, the surroundings beautiful and you can enjoy many historic photos of John and his family while you eat.
You may notice that there is an artichoke on the plate (under the white blob). Yes, this is big-time artichoke country and we can never get enough of them. After we left Salinas and headed back toward Monterey, we saw fields of artichoke plants, many laden with large artichokes. Yummm.
Next stop: The Monterey Aquarium
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