This trip came about when a good friend of ours wanted to surprise his wife with a trip of a lifetime at Pebble Beach. We met the couple - Tod and Mina while playing golf here at Abu Dhabi Golf Club a couple of years ago. They had just moved away from Abu Dhabi this past summer and would be celebrating their 20th wedding anniversary. So sweet to let us in on the surprise and join them for the golf too!
It's a good thing we arrived into Phoenix when we did. A big storm was brewing a few hours later once we checked into our "US" home:
And this was the view around Phoenix Sky Harbor airport. The storm was so strong that no airplanes were allowed to take-off or land!
Although I have to say, it was a nice change from the heat and to also hear the pitter-patter of rain drops on the roof. Just glad it wasn't too bad on our side to take down any trees.
Always great to back in Arizona and to eat at all our favorite restaurants. Servings are massive!
Okay, we are off to The Inn at Spanish Bay. 733 miles!!!... which is equivalent to 11 hours. All alone in the car with just the hubby. Hope I survive :-P
Hmm... glad I didn't encounter any of these at the rest stop!
Crossing into California and the scenery changes:
And it wouldn't be California without the traffic!
We drove along so many vineyards. It's so neat driving through all the vineyards, especially the new/young ones.
Almost mesmerizing!
And sections of "nodding donkey" oil pumps along the way too:
Lovely views of the valleys and mountains. Yes, that's me with my camera :-)
We stop at Paso Robles for the night. We find a BBQ place for dinner and sit outside.
Funny how no one is sitting outside but just us! The cooler weather is so refreshing!
The next morning, we drive through some more farmland. It's amazing how much manual labor goes into farming here. Talk about back-breaking!
A few hours later... ocean!
We stopped by at Monterey Bay for the surprise at a Mexican restaurant. I now know why this street is called "Cannery Row" - from this sardine canning company and perhaps a few more during the turn of the 20th century. There was an increase on the demand for sardines during the war but unfortunately by the late 1940s, the sardines were virtually gone by Monterey Bay.
Surprise!!! I think we definitely caught Mina off guard :-)
And for the last few weeks, I actually had to play dumb on the whole situation when we would text each other. It's a good thing Mina is still talking to me! :-)
After lunch, we head out to The Inn towards the Pebble Beach 17 mile Drive. We have a great view of Hole #1 (The Spanish Bay Golf Club) off our balcony:
The long stretch of ocean is lovely!
We take a walk along the boardwalk:
On the way back to the room - lots of deer on the golf course!
A great start to our vacation!
And I hope they like their anniversary gift - stitched by yours truly :-)
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