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Calla Lily Valley’s Springtime Beauty
Calla Lily Valley is nestled amidst a ravine surrounding Doud Creek as it rushes down to the ocean. It is directly across Hwy 1 from the historic Doud Ranch and is technically part of Garrapata State Park. It is named for the captivating and graceful calla lilies that appear here in the spring, usually in late February to early March.
Calla is a name of Greek origin meaning “beautiful”. In the language of flowers, white calla lilies symbolize marital bliss and devotion—which may be why they are often featured in wedding bouquets. They are also used to express sympathy. There is just something about white calla lilies that affects your psyche. White is often associated with purity, innocence, light, goodness, simplicity, illumination, cleanliness, beginnings, spirituality, possibility, sincerity, protection, and perfection.
The flower is native to Africa and consists of a spathe, the outer part of the flower, and the spadix, the yellow spike in the center. 
Calla Lilies grow from rhizomes that reproduce prolifically, making them a symbol of fertility and plenty. They are extremely hardy and semi-aquatic, making it no surprise that they are abundant around Doud Creek!
You can access Calla Lily Valley via two entrances. The first, shortest (.5 miles) and easiest route is at gate 18. The second, longer and more challenging route is at gate 19 where the Garrapata sign is located. You may park on the ocean side of Hwy 1.
It seems pretty banal walking along the pathways, until you come to the valley and suddenly, there they are! The luminous proliferation of snow-white blossoms overwhelms you with their color and scent.
If you follow the creek to where it empties into the ocean and turn left, you will see beautiful Garrapata Beach with a myriad of sea stacks, dramatic waves, and extensive sea-washed pieces of driftwood.
Helpful Tips:
- Parking is available along the dirt pullout at Gate 18 and Gate 19 for Garrapata State Park, near mile-marker 63.
- Wear old shoes or rain boots as it can be quite muddy and wet on the creek banks.
- The best time to visit is during the week as it can be crowded on weekends.
- Wading or swimming in the ocean is not recommended due to dangerous waves and rip tides.
I hope you get to see Calla Lily Valley! Thank you for visiting my blog. Wishing you peace, love, happiness, & beautiful vistas!
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Panther & Hole-in-the-Wall Beach
The minute you set foot on idyllic Panther Beach you will be mesmerized by the magical sights and sounds. Sunlight glistens on the sand, seagulls hover on the ocean breeze, and majestic waves splash and crash rhythmically onto the beach. Secluded and private, Panther Beach will entice you with its beauty. It features not only a magnificent walk-through sea cave, but also a rushing seasonal waterfall. The waterfall cascades from the base of a cliff to form a waterway that wends its way down the beach to the sea.
Panther Beach and Hole-in-the-Wall Beach are part of the Coast Dairies State Park, which spans about a six-mile segment west of Hwy 1 in Santa Cruz County, north of Santa Cruz and south of the small town of Davenport. Coast Dairies State Park also includes Bonny Doon, Laguna Creek, Davenport Landing, Shark Fin Cove & Beach, and Scott Creek Beach.
The creek cuts a path through the sand and into the sea. 
Behind a rugged stone wall on the south end of Panther Beach, a sea cave leads you to secluded Hole-in-the-Wall Beach. At high tide, it is difficult as well as dangerous to access due to strong surf. If you enter Hole-in-the-Wall Beach at low tide, be mindful of the tides because you could be trapped if the high tide comes in unexpectedly. This is the only way in and the only way out.
The ocean stirs the heart, inspires the imagination, and brings eternal joy to the soul.–Wyland
Hole-in-the-Wall Beach is accessible at low tide. Nothing soothes the soul like a day by the ocean. This beach is such an inspiring and joyful place to relax and rewind. It is a great place for beachcombing, rock climbing, sunbathing, photography, and hiking Be aware that the trail leading down to the beach is steep and moderately challenging and may be too difficult for inexperienced hikers. Also, during the spring rainy season, it can be muddy and slippery.
The view from above Panther Beach. Where:
Panther Beach and Hole-in-the-Wall Beach are located off Hwy 1 north of Santa Cruz at mileage marker 26.5, approximately two miles south of Davenport.
Helpful Hints:
- Hours are 8 am to sunset.
- Parking is available on an unmarked, elevated dirt area between Hwy 1 and the railroad tracks on the ocean side.
- No horses, vehicles, fires, glass, camping or alcohol is allowed.
- Be aware of the tides as high tides can cause entrapment.
- Swimming is not advised due to rip currents.
- To avoid crowds, try visiting during the week, when it is generally deserted
- Be respectful and pack your garbage in and out. Do not leave your refuse on the beach for others.
I hope you get the chance to visit this beautiful area! Thank you for visiting my blog. Wishing you peace, love, happiness, & beautiful vistas!
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Happy & Heavenly Pink!
Theses are cupcakes! Can you believe it? @cakesbyjanetaylor. “I believe in pink. I believe that laughing is the best calorie burner. I believe in kissing, kissing a lot. I believe in being strong when everything seems to be going wrong. I believe that happy girls are the prettiest girls. I believe that tomorrow is another day and I believe in miracles.” Audrey Hepburn
Pink piglets @pretty.pink.piggy 
Pink bicycle & flowers @eleanorfordfood. I have always loved the color pink. The color pink is most often associated with romance, sweetness, femininity, and charm. It takes its name from the group of flowers called “pinks”, which belong to the genus Dianthus.
Fairy Tale Craigievar Castle in Scotland, @tis_the_season_to. This captivating color became very popular during the 1700s, when the King of France’s mistress, Madame de Pompadour became enamored with it, and pink and blue became the leading fashion colors in the Court of Versailles.
The original pink craze fashionista. Today it is as popular as ever. Pop and rock stars have chosen it as their names and it has been used as a clothing label for Victoria’s Secret. “Think Pink” is a popular song from the movie Funny Face. And who can forget the films “Pretty in Pink”, starring Molly Ringwald and “The Pink Panther” with Inspector Jacques Clouseau? Pink is also used as an emblem for breast cancer awareness.
A group of flamingos is called, appropriately, a flamboyance! @24style_ 
Garden tableau with pink window, table & chairs @michelle.m.hillier People who like to wear pink are said to be affectionate, sympathetic, and understanding. Pink, once associated with all things feminine & girly is now embraced by men as well. The color is said to have a calming effect and also to evoke joy and happiness.
My pink “naked lady” lilies come back year after year on my farm. Pink often inspires creativity. It also reminds us of springtime, when the earth is rejuvenated and we see flowers budding.
Pink flamingo fun @taylorjoelledesigns “Anything is possible with sunshine and a little pink.” Lilly Pulitzer
French macarons. Did you know that pink is the color most often associated with sweets? There is nothing more magical than a California sunset. I love the way the sky is often painted with shades of pink both at dusk and dawn.
A peaceful sunset at my farm. 
De Tierra Winery down the road from me, framed by pink sky. Pink is often associated with playfulness and charm.
Puppy in pink tutu @elainebjd_fab5 I love all the wonderful shades of pink, from the palest hues to the most shocking hot pinks. Just think of all the things that make life better in pink: cotton candy, balloons, strawberry ice cream, champagne, roses, lipstick, and the list goes on and on.
My pink Aglaonema is not only pretty but also super easy to grow! Some popular pink phrases are “tickled pink”, which means one is happy, and “in the pink”, which means one is healthy.
A beautiful temple in Tokyo @travellerspursuit “Life, when it was good, was indeed pink.” Lydia Michaels
Friendship and tulips @landofinspos I hope that you enjoyed this post and found some pink inspiration. Thank you for visiting my blog! Wishing you peace, joy, happiness, & beautiful vistas.
Cherry blossoms in the moonlight @wakaponpoco -
Elkhorn Slough & Moss Landing
Playful Otters, barking sea lions, and graceful egrets are only a few of the amazing wildlife you may see at Elkhorn Slough and Moss Landing. The area is also home to a plethora of good restaurants, art galleries, and shops. You can also enjoy a variety of outdoor activities here, including fishing, surfing, beach combing, sea kayaking, whale watching, walking trails and even hydro biking.
A lone fisherman on Moss Landing Beach during the King Tides. The extreme low tides pose prime conditions for fishing. HISTORY
Located between Monterey and Santa Cruz, Moss Landing is located where the Elkhorn Slough creates an estuary as it flows into Monterey Bay. Moss Landing is named for Charles Moss, a ship captain from Texas who built a wharf here in the mid-1800s. The area was once a very busy whaling and fishing port and the site of many fish processing plants and canneries. Today, Moss Landing Harbor is home to hundreds of fishing, pleasure, research and tour boats. Commercial boats bring in Dungeness crab, halibut, salmon, albacore, sardines, squid, mackerel, prawns, and more. Fresh seafood can be purchased off the boats and in the local restaurants.
The Sea Goddess is one of several whale watching tour ships in the area. 
Moss Landing Harbor is home to the Monterey Submarine Canyon, a mile-deep chasm filled with a variety of sea life, including whales! 
The twin towers of the power plant can be seen for miles. BUILDINGS AND RESTAURANTS
Notable buildings in Moss Landing include the Moss Landing Marine Laboratories operated by California State University, the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute, and the Moss Landing Power Plant. Some of the amazing restaurants in the area include Moss Landing Cafe, The Whole Enchilada, Haute Enchilada, Lighthouse Harbor Grille, Pacific Grill, Lemongrass Seafood, Sea Harvest and Phil’s Fish Market. Lines form daily at Phil’s for the cioppino, one of the restaurant’s most famous dishes. For more information on local eateries in Moss Landing, see Restaurants.
ACTIVITIES AND EVENTS
Moss Landing offers many fun activities and events including dancing, music, and wine and other tastings at both the Haute Enchilada and the Whole Enchilada. The Elkhorn Yacht Club also hosts a multitude of fun events including a crab feed in February as well as seasonal parties and races. There are also open studio art tours in September and October featuring local artists. One of the most popular summer events in the area is the annual Moss Landing Antique Street Fair. It is usually held the last Sunday in July and brings hundreds of vendors and shoppers together for a day of fun. Other activities in the area include the May opener for rock cod fishing, blessing the fleet May 1, open house at the Marine Labs every spring, and a Nautical Flea Market in May. For more information on events in the area, see Moss Landing.
The main drag in Moss Landing has many quaint, historic buildings and shops. 
Moss Landing is a great place to bike and enjoy the quiet fishing village. WILDLIFE
Elkhorn Slough is one of the largest wetlands in California. It began as a salt marsh and efforts are being made to help restore this habitat. It is considered one of the top ten best birding spots in the country, according to Audubon. More than 350 bird species migrate through Elkhorn Slough each year. It is a nesting place for Western Snowy Plover in spring and summer. In fall and winter, the wetland provides habitat for waterfowl and shorebirds. My favorites are the snowy egrets and the endangered brown pelicans.
Moss Landing offers wonderful opportunities to view resident sea otters. You can see rafts of sea otters swimming here, sometimes holding hands. A raft refers to a group of sea otters in the water. A group can also be called a family, romp, lodge, and bevy. Whatever they are called, who doesn’t love those faces? Too much cuteness!
Moss Landing is also one of the best places to spot whales up close! I hope you are able to visit Moss Landing and enjoy its beauty. Thank you for visiting my blog! Wishing you peace, love, happiness, and beautiful vistas.
Nothing is more fun than playing in the sea foam when the tide is low. It reminds me of when my Mom used to pour Mr. Bubble in the bathwater and the bubbles got higher and higher in the tub! Good times 🙂 -
River Road Wine Trail in Monterey County
Nestled in the highlands of the Santa Lucia Mountain Range in Monterey County, the River Road Wine Trail snakes its way from Salinas to Greenfield, California. The River Road Wine Trail is billed as “one of the Central Coast’s premiere wine touring destinations”. I have to say that is absolutely true. The climate in the Santa Lucia Highlands is perfect for creating very unique and highly sought after wines including pinot noir, chardonnay, pino gris, and syrah, among others. Furthermore, River Road wineries are passionate about what they do. Many are family-owned businesses going back for generations. There is pride and respect for what they do, and it shows not only in the quality of their wine, but also in the way they treat their customers. Tasting room staff are professional, friendly, and willing to discuss any questions you may have. Wine tasting here is the ultimate, authentic experience.
Each year, wineries along the River Road Wine Trail in Monterey County celebrate Valentine’s Day by hosting a special event. This event features some of the finest wines in Monterey County, along with food pairings, music, and fun.
I think this sign is my favorite, can you tell why? This year, Odonata, Pessagno Winery, Manzoni Estate Vineyard, Puma Road Winery, Hahn Family Wines, Smith Family Wines, Scheid Vineyards, Chalone Vineyard, and Michaud Vineyard participated in the event. What I love about this event is that not only do you get to sample a huge variety of wines, you get to see the actual vineyards and wineries where they are created and meet the makers. How cool is that?
Scheid Vineyards had a very relaxed atmosphere, with amiable and helpful staff. My first stop was Scheid Vineyards. Michaud Vineyard was also here for the event. I loved all the visitor-friendly outdoor seating!
Wine tasters partake in a game of Jenga at Scheid Vineyards. After leaving Scheid I headed for Smith Family Wines. My GPS was going wonky and telling me to turn on dirt roads leading to abandoned muddy fields, but I persisted, and eventually arrived at my destination.
The tasting room at Smith Family Wines was warm and elegant. Smith Family Wineries represents three generations of hard-working vintners. Their three award-winning brands are Alexander-Smith, Paraiso, and Irie.
Smith Family Wines offered a beautiful setting for visitors. 
Next, I headed north to Hahn Family Wines. Chalone Vineyards was also set up here. It seemed like it took forever to navigate the narrow road flanked by fir trees back to the winery, but finally, I arrived!
The deck at Hahn’s tasting room offers gorgeous vistas. 
Heading north from Hahn, in another 7.3 miles, I reached Puma Road Winery. On the way, I passed rustic farm buildings and witnessed a huge rainbow arching over the Salinas Valley. While there were a few occasional patchy sprinkles, the day remained, overall, quite beautiful.
The staff at Puma were super friendly! A hop, skip and jump north of Puma Road is Manzoni Estate Vineyard. The estate is comprised of a mere six acres (that’s only twice as big as my farm!) but the wines they produce are exceptional. The Manzoni family has called this area home for nearly 100 years.
The Manzoni Estate Vineyard tasting room was intimate and inviting. 
The Swiss fare served at the Manzoni Estate Vineyard brought back memories of my days living in the Swiss area of Wisconsin. Indeed, my three sons are half Swiss! Following my visit at Manzoni, I headed just over a mile north to Pessagno Winery. This, in my humble opinion, is the coziest tasting room ever. I think it might be the combination of the warmth exuding from the wood burning stove, the cute cat curled up on a chair, the beautiful stained glass window, and the long, roomy wooden bar. Pessagno Winery just exudes ambiance and comfort.
The final stop on my wine tasting venture was Odonata Wines. Did you know that Odanata is another word for dragonfly? Odonata states that variety and quality are their watchwords and that the batches of wine they produce are made from grapes that are organic and grown sustainably. I’ll raise my glass to that!
I had so much fun today and I can’t wait to repeat the experience next year! I hope that you get a chance to check out the River Road Wine Trail and enjoy it as much as I did. Remember, you don’t have to wait until the Valentine’s Passport event to visit, most of the wineries here are open year round. For more information on any of the wineries listed, or for information on the annual Valentine’s wine tasting event, see Wine Trail.
Helpful Hints for attending the Valentine’s Passport event:
- Arrive as early as possible as parking and crowds increase the later you start.
- Be aware that the wine service ends at 4 pm.
- Designated drivers who will not be imbibing get a discount: tickets are half price!
- Parking areas fill up quickly and you may end up walking quite a distance; choose footwear accordingly.
- Bring a warm sweater or coat as it can be chilly this time of year.
- Many transportation options are available if you don’t have a designated driver, including the Monterey Party Bus, limos, and of course, Uber.
- All wineries provide vegetarian as well as non-vegetarian food pairings.
Thank you for visiting my blog. Wishing you peace, love, happiness, and happy wine tasting!
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Seacliff State Beach: Sand, Sunsets & Sunken Ships
Enticing you with golden sand, gentle sea breezes, and a wooden pier leading to the remains of an abandoned ship, Seacliff State Beach is paradise found. Seacliff State Beach lies next to Aptos, California, and is just south of New Brighton State Beach and Capitola.
Seacliff Beach was originally called Rancho Aptos. During the 1800s, it was a busy shipping port. By the 1920s, people fell in love with the enchanting scenery, and many summer homes were built on the beautiful bluffs around the area. In 1931, it became one of California’s first state beaches.
The view from one of the beautiful homes on the cliffs above the beach. *sigh* 
A seagull shows off his dance moves on the old pier. In 1930, the Seacliff Amusement Corporation bought a retired World War I concrete tanker, the SS Palo Alto. It was towed to Seacliff Beach and a pier was built leading to the ship. The ship was rebuilt as an amusement ship. There was a restaurant onboard called the “Fish Palace” with ocean views on three sides and a “Rainbow Ballroom”, where you could dance the night away. There was even a swimming pool onboard! Unfortunately, the Amusement Corporation went bankrupt after only two seasons and the ship was abandoned. During a winter storm, the ship cracked at the midsection. The State of California purchased the ship, and it was stripped of its fittings and left as a fishing pier. It was a popular fishing spot, but eventually, it deteriorated to the point where it was unsafe, and it was closed.
Snowy plovers dash in and out of the waves in their search for food. 
“Nature is painting for us, day after day, pictures of infinite beauty if only we have the eyes to see them.”–John Ruskin There is a paved level path, known as the “Promenade” that follows the mile-long beach and makes it possible for virtually everyone to enjoy the area. Beach wheelchairs are available for those unable to ambulate. As an occupational therapist, I was really thrilled during my visit to see an elderly man enjoying his stroll with his walker on the Promenade. It made my day.
Surfing is popular on the far south end of the beach. Seacliff State Beach is also a great place to go surfing, fishing, picnicking and beachcombing (no matter what your age!).
Where: 201 State Park Drive, Aptos, CA 95003
Phone: 831-685-6500
Hours: 8 am – sunset
Parking: You can park above the beach on the street for free and walk down the stairs to the beach, or you can pay 10.00 to enter below near the beach.
Camping: Beachfront camping is allowed for recreational vehicles only. There are 26 full hook-up campsites and 34 non-hook-up campsites.
Other helpful information: Dogs are allowed on leash only, alcohol and fires are prohibited, and drones are only allowed above the southern end of the primary day use parking lot. Fishing does not require a license from the pier but limits are applied by the Department of Fish and Wildlife. Multiple accessible restrooms are located along the “Promenade” pathway. A Visitor’s Center at Seacliff State Beach features exhibits and information about the area’s natural and cultural history. For more information, see Sea Cliff.
The last catch of the day is the best. I hope that you enjoy the breathtaking beauty of Seacliff State Beach. Thank you for visiting my blog! Wishing you peace, love, happiness, & beautiful vistas.
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Vintage Fun in San Jose’s Willow Glen
Willow Glen is known as “San Jose’s Local Treasure”. It is an area filled with quaint vintage houses on quiet tree-lined avenues. It is also home to some unique shops and amazing restaurants.
Magpie welcomes you with a variety of felicities, from jewelry to clothing to home decor to paint. It is one of those unique, creative, quirky places where there is so much to look at you don’t know where to start.
Bertucelli’s La Villa Delicatessen was packed to the gills, even in the middle of the afternoon. It was standing room only. They have outdoor dining and this was also packed. Waiting in line here for handmade ravioli and fresh, delicious sandwiches and desserts is well worth it.
Park Place Vintage carries vintage clothing and collectibles and even has costume rentals!
Petroglyph is a cool ceramics lounge. I have not seen ceramics like this since my Mom painted Peanuts characters for my brothers and me in the 1970s. They supply use of all paints, brushes and art materials as well as assistance. Once your artwork is complete they fire them in on-site kilns for you. They even host group activities. Petroglyph indicates they are “designed as a place to gather, connect, and creatively explore”. I wanted to stay and creatively explore, but so many shops, so little time!
The cozy Mariette Chocolates has not only freshly made chocolates, but also fudge, coffee, pastries, gelato, and hot chocolate. I love the cute little vintage tables and chairs.
Susie Cakes is a super cute vintage bakery with very friendly staff.
The Willow Glen Collective is chockful of antiques and vintage finds.
The cozy outdoor seating at Vin Santo is so inviting.
Downtown Willow Glen frequently hosts festive events, including its annual summer festival, “Dancin’ on the Avenue”, which features music, food, and local wines. On Thursday, February 7th, from 5-8 pm Willow Glen is hosting a “Ladies’ Night Out”, which features “pampering”, as well as refreshments and specials! Sounds like fun to me!
San Jose is home to some wonderful places, and I am adding Willow Glen to the list. For more information, see Willow Glen.
Thank you for visiting my blog! Wishing you peace, love, joy, and beautiful vistas!
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Point Lobos: Crown Jewel of State Parks
With turquoise waves crashing onto pristine sandy beaches, sunlight cascading through towering cypress trees, and beautiful flora and fauna surrounding you, it’s hard not to fall in love with Point Lobos. Located just south of Carmel-by-the-Sea, Point Lobos is named for a rock formation called Punta de los Lobos Marinos, or Point of the Sea Wolves. It is considered the “crown jewel” of the state park system. Whenever I have visitors from out of town, this is one of the first places I take them.
Point Lobos is one of only two places where the rare Monterey Cypress are found. One of the first things you may notice when you enter Point Lobos is the wonderful olfactory experience. If you could bottle this fresh, piney, ocean scent, I’m sure it would outsell Tom Ford. If you have sinus problems or a headache I think you should come here and just inhale the clean, sweet air. I swear it is that powerful. I love the scent, the scenery, and the flexibility of the trails here. It doesn’t matter if you are wheelchair bound or have scaled Half Dome at Yosemite, there are trails here for everyone.
Multiple movies have been filmed here, including Treasure Island, Lassie Come Home, The Sandpiper, The Graduate, and Turner and Hooch.
You may see Gray, Humpback & Blue Whales in the area as well as other wildlife. 
History buffs may enjoy the Whaler’s Cabin and museum filled with interesting artifacts relating to the history of the area. Whales were widely hunted here (I know, it makes me sad too) for their oil. Apparently, whale oil was quite the commodity until the early 1880s. It was used primarily for lamp fuel until it was replaced by cheaper petroleum products. Abalone was another industry at Point Lobos.
Over time, Point Lobos evolved from the whale and abalone industry to an area to simply enjoy nature, thanks to the efforts of Alexander MacMillan Allan, who began purchasing the land in 1898 in an attempt to preserve it, and the State Parks Commission who in turn purchased it from him in 1933. Thanks to the forethought and dedication of Mr. Allan, we are able to enjoy this pristine beauty today.
My favorite trail here is the North Shore Trail which leads you along the ocean’s edge with breathtaking views of the forest and sea. This time of year, harbor seals are giving birth and you may see areas cordoned off to protect the mothers and their pups. Be aware that on this particular trail you may have to squeeze by or climb over boulders and/or navigate large tree roots and rocky, uneven terrain. The trail ends in a large meadow which leads to a parking lot. You can continue to follow the trail on the right side of the parking lot to view exquisite overlooks of the beach.
Numerous benches are placed along all trails, offering a place to enjoy a picnic lunch or simply contemplate the beauty around you. 
Beware the tree roots! Point Lobos offers poetry walks on Wednesday afternoons. Apparently, these are led by a docent with sojourns to various spots to contemplate the area’s beauty and write poems. While I love poetry I will refrain from attempting to entertain you with one of my own concoctions. I recommend that they also host Plein Air wine & paint sessions, I would definitely sign up for that!
I think that if you only have time to do one hike in the Monterey area, this is it. It has trails for all levels and it has spectacular, unparalleled views. I would personally rate Point Lobos a 10 and also give it summa cum laude honors. You will not be disappointed!
These fungi were everywhere at Point Lobos. I do not think they are edible but they are very pretty! Point Lobos is open daily from 8 am to 5 pm. For more information, see Point Lobos.
HELPFUL HINTS:
- Park alongside Highway 1 just south of Monastery Beach for free and follow the path to the entrance as inside parking is usually full.
- I recommend coming during the week as weekends can be crazy busy!
- Dogs & Horses are not allowed.
- Smoking is forbidden. (Although when I was there, a girl was quite flauntaciously smoking whilst hiking. I made that word up, by the way; it is a combination of flaunt and ostentatious. Basically, she was being a stinker doodle.)
- Bicycles are not allowed on the trails.
- Fishing is not allowed.
- Restrooms are available at the parking lots at both the beginning and end of the North Shore Trail.
- Kayaking and Scuba diving are allowed. Bring your own stuff, because no equipment rentals are provided. A popular scuba diving area is at Whaler’s Cove. You can make reservations up to three months in advance. For more information see scuba diving.
- Binoculars may be checked out from the information station to view sea otters, seals, whales, and birds.
- Wear layers of clothing as it can be chilly and windy at times.
Thank you for visiting my blog! Wishing you peace, love, happiness, and beautiful vistas!
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Foraging for Fungi in Beautiful Big Sur
January is peak mushroom season in central coastal California. Each year the Big Sur area hosts a four-day Foragers Festival to raise money for the Big Sur Health Center, a non-profit facility that provides much needed local medical services. Multiple well-known restaurants and renowned chefs create magical meals featuring wild ingredients foraged in Big Sur paired with delicious local wines and beers. There are also raffles, auctions, and a “Fungus Face-Off”, which pits local chefs against each other in a cooking competition featuring fungi. While I have been known to consume mushrooms on my pizza and occasionally partake of portobellos I must admit that my knowledge of mushrooms is rather scant. Mushrooms are ubiquitous at my farm and I always wonder if they are edible or poisonous, so when I saw that the festival included foraging hikes led by fungi experts, I jumped at the chance.
The hikes were led by Todd Spanier, who truly is a walking encyclopedia of knowledge as well as a talented chef. I liked that he could not only identify wild plants and fungi, but also explain how they could be used for culinary purposes. He explained that he started learning about mushrooms from his Italian grandfather when he was only five years old. Todd owns a company called “King of Mushrooms” which provides wild foraged foods to many local restaurants and businesses. He is considered to be a pioneer of the sustainable and wild food movements in California. If you would like to join Todd or other experts to learn about wild edibles, see Wild Food Walks.
The Good (Edible) Fungi. 
The Bad (Won’t Kill You But Yucky) Fungi. I learned that the biggest threat to fungi is not over picking, but rather, destruction of their habitat. I also learned that you can touch poisonous fungi and not worry about getting sick, that the only way to become ill is if you ingest the mushroom. Stories were also related regarding people from Asia and Russia coming to California and picking and eating mushrooms that looked identical to those in their original countries but which were toxic and poisonous. You can imagine the dire consequences. Yikes!
And the Ugly (Poisonous) Fungi. 
Conjoined redwoods along the way. It was a beautiful, sunny day as we entered the Big Sur forest following days of rain. We passed gorgeous copses of redwoods, bay laurels, and canyon oaks. Lauren, another of our guides, was very knowledgeable regarding edible items and pointed out horsemint, miner’s lettuce, and redwood sorrel.
Lauren & Todd identifying our finds. 
Redwood sorrel tastes like a tart green apple but should only be eaten in small quantities due to oxalic acid. 
This is a nut, unfortunately, I do not remember the name! As many of you may know, I have a word obsession. I love learning new words, wordplay, etc. So, of course, I was stoked when I started learning about all the amazing fungi out there! Scientific nomenclature is interesting, but who can beat names like “Witches Butter”, “Candy Caps”, “Turkey Tails”, and “Slippery Jacks”?
A banana slug feasts on honey mushrooms. Banana slugs were everywhere. Imagine my surprise when I learned that some younger males were licking them! I asked one kid why, and he said “licking a banana slug numbs your tongue and is a rite of passage.” Ewwwww. Boys are just weird.
We saw many of these “Waxy Caps” on our hike. 
These “Black Knight” mushrooms were once popular in Europe but eating them over time can cause a toxic reaction. Avoid! Todd’s Takeaways:
- “Do not believe what you see on the internet.”
- “Do not eat mushrooms raw, you can get sick.” He stated that cooking mushrooms also enhances their nutritional value.
- “Know the tree, know the mushroom.” He said you can often tell what a mushroom is according to the tree it grows on or near.
- “Never eat a mushroom unless you are 100% sure of what it is”. There are some look-alikes that can befuddle even seasoned fungi seekers.
- “Use guidebooks to help identify fungi”.
Todd ended his hike by telling us “it doesn’t matter where we’re from, mushrooms connect us to nature and to our ancestry.” I for one would love to learn more and will be perusing my local library and also attending more foraging hikes. The best way to learn is from people who know their stuff, right? Whether you are a foodie, a nature lover, interested in sustainability, or just find the idea of foraging for wild mushrooms fascinating, you will enjoy this amazing experience. I can’t wait to try out more activities at the Big Sur Foragers Festival next year! For more information on this unique event, see Festival.
Thank you for visiting my blog! Wishing you peace, love, happiness, and beautiful vistas!
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Cannery Row: What to See & Do!
The view from McAbee Beach cameos some of Cannery Row’s fabulous restaurants and shops. If you are visiting Monterey, Cannery Row is probably one of the top things on your bucket list. Full of colorful history and nestled next to the picturesque bay, it is a must see. To understand this area, first a little history. Monterey, California was once the sardine capital of the world. The first sardine cannery was built by Frank Booth at Fishermen’s Wharf in 1896, and was soon followed by a rival Japanese sardine plant at Cannery Row called the Pacific Fish Company. Fishing boats loaded sardines into floating wooden hoppers, and they were sucked ashore through massive pipes. At Cannery Row, once called Ocean View Avenue, more than eighteen canneries eventually worked around the clock to fill sardine tins. John Steinbeck described the scene in his book, Cannery Row: “The whole street rumbles and groans and screams and rattles while the silver rivers of fish pour in out of the boats and the boats rise higher and higher in the water until they are empty. Then from the town pour men and women in trousers and rubber coats and oilcloth aprons. They come running to clean and cut and pack and cook and can the fish.” The overhead bridges allowed fish to be moved from one side of the factory to the other, and remain a testament to Monterey’s history. Unfortunately, overfishing led to the collapse of the sardine industry, and by the mid-1950s, Monterey turned to tourism to replace the sardine industry.
The rear view of the Aquarium is much more interesting than the front view! What to See & Do
1. EXPERIENCE THE AQUARIUM
The #1 thing to see here is the amazing Monterey Bay Aquarium. Because it is so magical and fantastic, I actually dedicated an entire blog post to it with tons of information, see Aquarium.
2. SEE STEINBECK’S OLD STOMPING GROUNDS
As you are strolling along, you may notice a dull and rather unassuming little building sandwiched in between the storefronts at 800 Cannery Row. This building was once home to the Pacific Biological Laboratories owned by marine biologist Ed Ricketts. Ricketts was a good friend of famous writer John Steinbeck. Together, Steinbeck and Ricketts spent much time together at “Doc’s Lab”, as it was known, preserving specimens and talking about philosophy. It has been said that Steinbeck’s biological and scientific training supported his notion of all humans as part of a greater ecosystem and his focus on the environment in his writing. Ricketts influenced several of his novels, including Cannery Row, Sweet Thursday, In Dubious Battle, The Grapes of Wrath, The Moon is Down, and The Sea of Cortez. The city of Monterey schedules free public tours of the building throughout the year. For more information, call 831-646-5640 or see Free Tours.
3. EAT AND DRINK
Foodies will love the plethora of restaurants available, including fresh seafood at The Fish Hopper, The iconic Sardine Factory, Lalla Oceanside Grill, the Whaling Station, and the C Restaurant & Bar, along with many, many more. If you choose a waterfront restaurant, be sure to ask for a table with an ocean view. You may be able to see sea lions, harbor seals, sea otters, dolphins, or even whales while you eat your meal! For more information see Restaurants.
If you are keen-o for some vino, check out A Taste of Monterey, which is located near McAbee Beach and offers more than 90 local wines. Other great wine tasting rooms include Carmel Ridge Winery, Bargetto Winery, Blue Fox Cellars, and The Wine Experience. Have a glass or flight of wine while overlooking beautiful Monterey Bay. For more information, see Wine Tasting.
For all you beer enthusiasts (I hope my three brothers are reading this!) there is the Cannery Row Brewing Company, which has a warm pub feeling and offers lots of goodies to eat as well, including their signature giant pretzels. Located at 95 Prescott Ave. just two blocks from McAbee Beach, the brewery website states it “offers the second largest number of beers available on tap in Northern California and is the largest single outlet beer account in Monterey County.” Cheers to those beers!
4. GO SHOPPING
Cannery Row is also home to over 85 shops within a four to five block area including boutiques, art galleries, jewelry and antique stores, candy shops, and gourmet food stores. My personal favorite is the Olive Bar. You can taste over 70 different varieties of olive oil and balsamic vinegar or peruse their gourmet food items and cute home and kitchen decor.
5. ACTIVITIES FOR KIDS
If your little whippersnappers get tired and bored looking at all the aforementioned shops, there are a couple of places they may enjoy. For kids and kids at heart, there is a Mirror Maze and Lazer Challenge and a Spirit of Monterey Wax Museum, both located just down the street from the Aquarium.
6. BIKE, KAYAK & PADDLE BOARD
For those of you interested in more physical activities, there are bike, kayak and paddle board rentals available so you can explore the area by both land and sea. Adventures By The Sea is conveniently located right next to the Recreation Trail and across the street from the beach where the kayaks are launched. Here you can rent family four-wheel bikes (called surreys), electric bikes and more. They offer group and private kayak tours of Cannery Row, paddle board lessons, and also bike tours of 17-Mile Drive. For more information, see By The Sea. Big Sur Adventures, located at 125 Ocean View Blvd, near the Aquarium, also offers bike rentals and tours. For more information, see Big Sur.
I hope you enjoy visiting Cannery Row! Wishing you peace, love, happiness, and beautiful vistas!