The stretch from Big Sur to Monterey is one of the most ironically tranquil places on earth. The winds are fierce and the ocean is constantly crashing against jagged rocks, but somehow it creates a soothing atmosphere. It is also Hilary’s most favorite place and I think she would move here in a heartbeat.

We sipped coffee on the beach in Carmel as the kids played on the beach. Then it was off to Monterey for a decidedly less peaceful trip to the aquarium.

It was here that I managed to have my first fender bender with Messi. I dropped the kids off at  the aquarium and drove 1mi to the only RV accessible lot in town. There was one spot left with literally less than 6 inches of clearance on each side. I was so concerned with the sides that I did not check the rear view camera and backed the bike rack into a steel railing. When I got out to inspect the damage there was a crowd that had gathered to watch me park (awesome!).Thankfully the damage was minimal.

The aquarium was awesome. It is an interesting social experiment to be in a tourist destination filled with little kids at 5:00. Every kid starts breaking down at the exact same time. You can stand in one spot and see 4 different sets of parents holding a writhing/screaming/kicking/biting kid. It was encouraging to see our kids hold up and even have enough energy to get in a quick ocean swim before dinner.

Long drive today as we are heading 353 miles to Humboldt where the redwoods await…