Heading down south...

Thursday, February 4, threatening rain but it didn't!

Another early start because today was another milestone for us, picking up a car and getting out of a big strange city.

Also a test of my US debit card, we have never used it and was a bit apprehensive about it but it worked fine.

Next was the car. Fellette and I walked to the Alamo rental office and there waiting for us was a nice shiny Chevrolet Impala. After our usual tiff about getting lost and going in the wrong direction we were all loaded up at the hotel and off we went.

Our last memories of San Francisco

With four navigators, all being very diplomatic about it we were soon on the highway rocketing along at warp speed. We soon headed for the coast road. Great to be on the road again and in complete control and footloose and fancy free.

Wow, we need a herd of those for our back garden don't you think Fellette?

Beautiful old buildings along the route, many lovingly kept up, some in disrepair.

Not a lot really happened today except the passing scenery and lazy little coastal towns that have seen better days and just sort of hanging on for those better days that we all hope for.

We found our Bed and Breakfast easily enough on Carmel Bay, about 140 miles south of San Francisco. A six room quaintsy place three stories and we were on the top floor. Squeaky floors and narrow stairs and thin walls. Great for a couple of nights with interesting fellow travellers.

The name of this sleepy little place is Monterey, the town that John Steinbeck wrote a novel on called 'Cannery Row'.

Six of us went out for dinner, we four had salads! For the past month shall I merely say that we have eaten well. [And too much] Time to lighten up.

Another day here to check it out and then on Saturday we head to Santa Barbara stopping off at the Hearst Castle on the way.