17-Mile Drive

The weather was near perfect as we drove on Route 1 South to nearby Carmel. We arrived at the roadside parking area, off Ocean Avenue, in no time and walked down to the fabulous beach where the ocean was rolling in, onto the almost white sand. Being halfway between San Francisco and LA, its small wonder why people want to live here.

Leaving the beach behind, we hiked up towards Carmel's neat shopping area, stopping for coffee in our favourite independent coffee shop 'Ocean Brew'. We then called into a small antique shop and chatted to its owner. The shop specialised in rare books and things connected with Alice in Wonderland or Emily Bronte. I was taken with a couple of John Steinbeck first editions and a fabulous reproduction 'Alice in Wonderland' book. We left and looked around some of the very exclusive boutique shops and galleries, and the excellent local farmers market. We also picked up a picnic lunch at the Market Deli, which should be renamed 'The Goldmine'! The architecture in Carmel is quite unique and comprises a fair chunk of charming Hansel and Gretal! Off in the car again, we headed for 17-Mile Drive, a private loop encompassing Pebble Beach and Poppy Beach golf courses, stunning ocean views, and houses in respect of which the question "How Much"? is rhetoric! We stopped off at several places to absorb the views and at Pebble Beach Golf Lodge and shops. Wow! Golf isn't my thing but Id stay there, if asked!

A small Estate Agent's office displayed some picture of several desirable properties, in the area. Some were un-priced and of those that were, one appeared to be a real snip at $1M (too good to be true?!). The remainder averaged around $4M with a couple at $30M.

And here's a piece of drive by the ocean music from the 50s ..... Billy Vaghn's 'Sailing'