17-Mile Drive at Pebble Beach

Henry decided he wanted a day to himself so Kim and I set off on a "Date Day."

Hand in hand we headed south on the US 101, the Pacific Coast Highway, towards the Monterey peninsula and Pebble Beach to drive the winding 17-Mile drive, a private road tracing the rugged Pacific coastline, a microcosm of the region's natural beauty.

We stopped at a roadside fruit stall on the way, somewhere near Moss Landing, for a quick snack of peaches and cherries that were deliciously sweet and juicy. We also picked up some local sage and wildflowers raw honey and some huge avocados, jalapenos, ripe tomatoes and a big bunch of cilantro to make a salsa for a light dinner. As I write this now, I can tell you that the honey with whiskey and hot water is THE BEST thing I have drunk since beginning the trip! Sooooo gooooood! I digress. Back to the 17-Mile Drive...

We paid a small fee to enter the guarded entrance and set off towards the beach. It was an overcast day and it began to drizzle. This was such a welcome change after weeks and weeks of sunshine and beating hot days that we welcomed the weather by opening the truck windows and weaving our hands through the rain. We reached the beach and it was cool and walkable, so with hoods up, we slowly combed the shoreline. Pelicans sitting on top of the seaweed-bedraggled craggy rocks jutting out of the blue-green ocean, the fine sandy beaches rimmed with smooth grey pebbles and driftwood that seemed to be artistically placed for the most pleasing effect, waves gently breaking in a serene rhythm, created a landscape worthy of an artist's dream. It felt surprisingly wild and yet cultivated at the same time. ​

We made some iconic stops along the route. The Lone Cypress, a withered tree clinging for dear life to a granite outcrop rising from the ocean, has become a symbol for strength and resilience, especially for golfers who live and play in the Pebble Beach area. The dignified solitude of the brave little tree, all alone, withstanding the weather and erosion was heartwarming. You couldn't help but root for the little fellow.

We also saw Bird Rock, a haven for a wide variety of bird species and Seal Rock, shaped like a seal on the most beautiful, tranquil beach. We drove through Spanish Bay that offered a taste of an authentic Scottish links-style golf course and then onto the world famous Pebble Beach Golf Links Course. 

Opened in 1919 this world famous golf course has hosted numerous prestigious golf tournaments including the U.S. Open multiple times. It is a breathtaking setting with the fairways and greens molded to the coastline with waves relentlessly crashing against the rocks. Kim and I watched some amateur golfers play the 18th hole in front of the clubhouse and cheered riotously when they made their final putts. They waved and grinned back at us, clearly enjoying the appreciation.

We walked around a small parade of shops, dodged the golf carts and had a coffee to warm us up then continued up the coast to Big Sur.