Finally Learning How to Relax

We decided that Friday was to be our “relaxing” day. We slept in, lounged about the cabin and didn’t leave until after 12:30. Talk about rebels. We then went to the Mission San Carlos Borromeo Del Rio Carmel which is located in Carmel-By-The-Sea.

It is a beautiful Spanish mission with lovely architecture and gorgeous gardens. We wandered about, absorbing the serenity - missions can be so peaceful. We also learned a bit of history. The intrepid explorers almost fall asleep in the courtyard, lulled by the sound of the fountain and the warm California sun.

Is it siesta time yet?

After the Mission, we needed to run a few errands and we decided to explore a bit of the area. We ended up at the Barnyard shopping complex. We wandered around surrounded by a busload of French tourists. We soon realized that we were hungry and we found a Mexican restaurant. We thought it tied in nicely after visiting the Mission. Amy ordered a new beer which we can’t pronounce but we love. Lori (designated driver) ordered pineapple juice. We feasted on semi-authentic Mexican food and by the end Lori was stuffed but very very happy. Amy was happy due to the beer she had.

We (Lori) waddled back to our car and headed to Safeway to blog. The usual Wi-Fi guys were there and we spent an enjoyable 90 minutes posting our blog. Apparently, uploading video takes forever using their Internet connection. Blog post finally completed, we head back to the cabin to begin cleaning and preparing for our departure on Saturday :( As we drive home, we notice that the visibility over the ocean seems endless and it should be a beautiful sunset. We arrive at the cabin and frantically begin cleaning, laundry and packing. Soon it is almost time for the sun to set, so we head down the canyon road on foot. We set up camp next to the cow pasture and begin documenting the sunset. Amy’s camera again stops working so it is up to Lori’s little Nikon to document the event.

We then walk back to the cabin where we continue to clean and pack. It is amazing how much of a mess you can make in just 6 days. We start our usual fire and Amy prepares dinner for herself. She is attempting to finish the food we purchased. Lori is still stuffed from lunch and can only manage a beer - we had 2 left and Amy can’t drink both of them. Soon it is bed time and our California adventure is quickly coming to an end.