When we went to the Monterey Bay Aquarium last year, it was very cost effective to purchase a family membership instead of a single visit. Our membership was going to expire so I had planned on taking the kids for a long weekend to Monterey. Unexpectedly, Patrick was able to come home for that weekend; he joined us for our adventures.
We started with a tour of the Point Sur Naval Facility. It is a Sound Surveillance System facility and is the only one on the West Coast open for tours.
View of Point Sur Lightstation
After our tour, we ended up driving along the coast, stopping at Garrapata State Park to hike around the bluffs and have our picnic lunch
As we were following the hiking trails, we were surprised to find ourselves in a canyon where there were thousands of flowers in bloom. It was gorgeous! (And a huge crowd taking photos). We later learned it's called Calla Lily Valley.
We drove from the state park and checked into our hotel. Then we headed over to the Fort Ord National Monument to hike around.
Amazing views!
Fun at the pool at the hotel
Sunday morning found us at the aquarium. We arrived early for the member's opening hour.
The otters are a family favorite.
We took our picnic down to the city park space along the bluffs between the aquarium and Lover's Point. We watched the otters playing and soaked in the sun.
We stopped for a geocache of course.
Back at the aquarium for the afternoon, we listened to a talk about the albatross.
On our drive home that evening, we stopped at Morro Bay for more views of otters, geocaches, and Morro Rock.
In this season of Patrick living away, these short weekends are so sweet for us.
