29 July 2016

We woke up bright and early and surprisingly refreshed after testing the rather dodgy beds. Really excited today, as we get to visit to the Aquarium.

So we scoffed a breakfast made by Norman Bates in his little office (muffins and coffee) and off we went. Five minute drive to the Trolley stop (MST- Monterey - Salinas Transit). Strangely the trolley doesn't start running until 10am, and the aquarium opens at 9.30, so a walk (shock horror) was in order. It was a beautiful pedestrian/cycle path along the coast. We were rewarded with our first sight of seals. They were just lying there on the rocks, and barking. We just couldn't believe it. So close to people and land and yet relaxed and safe.

We got to Cannery Row - a road that Andrew was keen to see, having read and loved John Steinbeck's novel. It's very picturesque. Still obvious how the area was used in the past.

We got into the aquarium really easily - no queues, and headed for the furthest point from the entrance. The sea otters were being fed, so there were huge crowds, and we figured that would give us some space somewhere else. We entered the 'tentacle' exhibition, and were greeted by the huge, slimy, creepy octopi (the plural of octopus?). They were massive! Then a look at the shellfish (crabs, lobsters, shrimps) - all very ugly, but really clever little creatures.

We then had a booked tour - 'behind the scenes at the aquarium'. A really nice lady (a retired teacher) took us around the workings of the aquarium - how they store the food for the animals, how they regulate the sea water coming into the tanks, the vets, the areas for animals and fish not being exhibited - so interesting.

We decided to leave the crowds for a while, and went back onto Cannery Row for a coffee and a sandwich. After a little rest, we went back in and saw the jellyfish. They were hypnotising. Remember Dory in 'Finding Nemo'? How she was mesmerised by a colony of jellyfish? I can tell why. They are a little weird, and a little creepy, but they are also beautiful. We could have watched them for hours.

We went back to The Bates Motel - quick shower and then back to Cannery Row for dinner. A restaurant recommended by Jason called 'Louie Linguine's'. Really nice - Oli managed to find spaghetti bolognaise(!) and I had clams with spaghetti, and Andrew had clam chowder, followed by seafood linguine. All delicious! We are going to be huge.

All in all, a really nice day, with hardly anytime in the car. Just keep swimming..