A Parrothead's Journal: Day 3 - Monterey & Garrapata

Sea Lion

Amy and her new friend - just before he attacks

The day started quite early – about 1 am. I was sleeping so soundly. It is so quiet at the cabin. The only sound is the stream that flows past the cabin. It is completely dark except for a little moonlight that is able to filter through the trees. I awoke to a noise and I just thought it was Amy. However, as I was trying to fall back asleep I realized the sound was a scratching noise and it was coming from outside my window so it is not Amy unless she locked herself out but I think she would knock and say “Lori” instead of scratching the side of the cabin. I could hear some animal walking behind the cabin, stopping occasionally to scratch at my window. I went to Amy’s room to let her know we were being stalked by some kind of wild animal and I scared her “out the crap”. We couldn’t see anything so we went back to bed. Whatever it was woke me up again in an hour or so but I just rolled over and fell back asleep. Apparently it has heard of our beer and smore parties and wants to get in.

After a hearty breakfast prepare by Amy, we left for Monterey. We quickly found the pier and the sea lions. We walked over to area that has hundreds of sea lions. Since the last time we were in Monterey, they have installed a fence between us and the sea lions. We thought it was to protect the sea lions until Amy climbed over the fence to get a closer look. When she did that a large bull took exception to her being so close and turned and started to bark at her. We now know the fence is to protect the people. We spent a few hours walking the pier, taking lots of photos and talking to the sea lions. They are very possessive of their rocks and become quite vocal if another sea lion attempts to join them on that rock. After taking about 900 pictures, we walked back to the pier and purchased a few fleece jackets. They are very reasonably priced and you need them at night or when you are near the ocean and the wind is blowing. After all this excitement, we went to a restaurant we found last time and had the exact same crepe – cheese, tomato and avocado – that we had last time. Stomachs full, we drove to Garrapata State Park for some hiking. It was spectacular. We climbed up and down, round and round until we made it down as close to the ocean as we could. There were a few tidal pools with crabs and starfish. The wind was refreshing. We searched in vain but could not find a sea otter. Tomorrow the plan is to go to Point Lobos State Park and that is where we found sea otters last time. We are currently in our home away from home (Safeway) looking at pictures, updating our blogs, drinking chai and trying to remember what was on our list to pick up. We will remember when we get back to the cabin. Tonight’s menu includes mac & cheese, beer and smores for dessert. It will also include a few Advil for the muscle aches.