Saturday was a bit of a write off - we arrived in Carmel EXHAUSTED so essentially we just napped, grabbed some dinner, and slept some more!
We woke up on Sunday determined to do better.
Paul decided on a restaurant for breakfast - Katy's Place - which has been a Carmel institution for more than 40 years. The food was awesome. The only drawback was that the tables were so close to one another you were practically sitting in the laps of the people next to you. I hate restaurants like that - happily we were done before it got to be too busy.
My corned beef hash was beyond amazing - made with house cured brisket.
After breakfast we walked back to the hotel.
We hopped in the car and drove to the beach. It was a beautiful day. We enjoyed walking along the shore where people were out jogging, dogs playing, and everyone generally having a grand time next to the surf. I couldn't help be amazed at the locals - often wearing winter coats and woolly hats - back home we'd be in shorts and a t-shirt in weather like this!
Later we made our way to the Carmel Mission. A service was taking place so there was to charge to enter. We wandered around and when the service was over were able to tour the Basilica. The Basilica of San Carlos Borromeo de Carmelo Mission (Carmel Mission) was founded by Fr. Junipero Serra in 1770, making it the second of the 21 California missions. Though San Carlos Borromeo de Carmelo Mission was founded in Monterey, it was quickly decided that Carmel-by-the-Sea was a more appropriate location for its purpose. The fledgling establishment was moved to the Rio Road site in 1771 and the Carmel mission was dedicated in 1797. Fr. Serra was buried within its grounds. San Carlos Borromeo de Carmelo Mission is considered the most authentically restored Franciscan mission.
We were meeting our friends Wendy and Rob for lunch at Rocky Coast restaurant. We decided to head down the coast, stopping at all of the scenic look outs - a nice, relaxing drive. Highway 1 (the coastal highway) was still closed due to landslides so the traffic was far lighter than normal. The weather was amazing so amazing that it was not long before we were regretting our lack of hats and sunscreen!
We were early for the reservation when we got to the restaurant. We decided to wander around the rocks - the restaurant is aptly named.
Wendy and Rob are regulars at the restaurant. The hostess had a special table set aside for our party. It was a beautiful spot to hang our, enjoy some great food, and get caught up. It is hard to believe that it has been four years since we have seen one another in person!
After a relaxing lunch we went back to Wendy and Rob's 'weekend house' for dessert. Located high on the hills overlooking Rocky Point, we drove up a precarious, single lane road with no guardrails to get there. Paul was a bit nervous that I'd miss a turn and go hurtling into space!
The house was built by Rob's parents in the 70s and Rob inherited it after his mother died. Rob's father was in the industry so the house was beautifully constructed. It was clearly designed to get the maximum benefit from the amazing view.
We sat on the patio for dessert - Wendy's famous cheesecake.
It was one of those fabulous afternoon's where you completely lost track of time. Eventually we were watching the sun set over the Pacific.
After goodbye hugs we headed back down the hill (even more precarious in the dark. LOL) and made our way to Carmel and a good night's sleep.