The view from here: Carmel

Chubby squirrels!

Carmel is for lovers.

On the road: Carmel

As a Southern California native, I think I live in the greatest place on earth.  I'm not an arrogant snob--I just like where I live. :)  People vacation in my neighborhood (cut me some slack). :p  Our drive up the coast has done a pretty good job of blowing my mind and almost (just almost) convinced me to move.  Here are some of the things we fell in love with:

1. Elephant seals.

2. Chubby squirrels.

3. Carmel Beach. 

Things we dislike:

1. Drivers of Sebring convertibles. PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT:  If you feel the need to fly from Kansas or Idaho or North Dakota or (insert lackluster state here), rent an economy convertible (a.k.a. Chrysler Sebring), then proceed to drive along Highway 1 from San Diego to British Columbia, it is NOT necessary to go 15 miles per hour the entire way.  The speed limit in the state of California is 55 mph if not otherwise posted.  Yes, the coastline is beautiful.  Yes, your rented convertible can drive that fast.  Yes, I will pass you on a blind curve b/c it is that annoying driving behind your pasty, sun-starved ass.    I don't fly to Kansas and drive 15 mph around your corn fields.

2.  Cyclists.  It's called a car.  It's faster and requires much less effort.  Or are you just looking for an excuse to wear a spandex onesie?

3.  Cyclists missing limbs.  I bet you actually do have a car and a handicap permit.  B/c you can ride a bike for 100 miles, but you can't walk from the far side of the parking lot.  Seems logical.

**Disclaimer: Items 1-3 are Mike's contribution to this blog post.

4. Everything closes at sundown.  Carmel becomes a ghost town after dark.  We couldn't even find a coffee shop open at 7:00 and had to drive to Monterey!