Day 2: Point Lobos State Reserve

To cap off our day, we headed to the Point Lobos State Natural Reserve, located close to our hotel in Carmel.  There are several trails that you can hike and since we had about 2 hours till sunset, we chose the three most interesting to us.  First up was Sea Lion Point trail where you could see (with binoculars) the sea lions out on their rock islands, frolicking and making a general din.   Even with the cloudy day, the hike was still beautiful.  Love seeing the mountains in the distance and the fog just adds a little mystery!

Then it was on to the trail furthest south where you take these very steep steps down...

All the way to a gorgeous beach--China Cove

Our final hike was Cypress Grove Trail

Monterey Cypress trees are rare and only grow in this location (something about the combination of the soil, weather and sea air).  These magnificent trees grow over 70 feet and live as long as 300 years.

Stay tuned for day 3--when the sun finally came out and we did more hiking, including my kind of urban hiking...through an antique mall!