A Visit to Carmel-by-the-Sea

The weekend of October 20, we drove to Carmel, California for a destination birthday celebration with longtime friends. I love being near the ocean. The weather was a bit chilly, but sunny with high surf. Perfect for walks along the shore - and photos, of course. For a bit of the history of the area, we visited the Carmel mission and the basilica where Father Junipero Serra is buried.

Here are some of my favorite scenes from the trip.  (Click a photo for a larger version.)

After the ~3 hour drive South from the East Bay,
we arrived at Wayside Inn where we stayed in
Suite # 6, top left.

The living room of the suite

We dropped off our overnight bags and headed for Carmel Beach to stretch our legs.

Cypress trees

Ocean view

Surf rolling in

Drift wood and seaweed

On our walk to and from the beach we looked at some typical Carmel homes and shopping spots.

In the evening, it was time to party at Dametra Cafe (Greek & Italian) - featuring music and impromptu dancing to celebrate birthdays - or whatever.

The next morning, we walked with our friends to Carmel Mission.

Basilica of St Charles Borromeo
San Carlos Basilica 

Memorial to Father Junipero Serra 

Basilica interior bell

Basilica interior, just before a wedding

The Junipero Serra cenotaph by Jo Mora (a sculpture representing the deceased
who is actually interred beneath the mail alter in the basilica)

A candid shot of the bride and priest before the wedding ceremony

St Francis niche

Our Lady of Mount Carmel tile work

Basilica, mission buildings and fountain from across the plaza

Bell tower

Plaza garden

Mission cross - the style of the cross is the Caravaca cross,
venerated in the area of Spain that Father Serra came from.

Cemetery entrance off the plaza

Cemetery

Restoration of the Carmel mission is ongoing.
Harry Downie started major restoration in the 1930's.

Kitchen

Reception room

Gregorian chant book and instruments used for services

California's first library
(Note the eerie reflection on the back wall
of me taking the photo.)

Father Junipero Serra's monk cell

In the gift shop

We returned from the mission by walking along a different part of the beach front, one a bit more rugged and out of the way.

The beach just after high tide

An access stairway

Another high surf day

Checking out the price of this ocean front home -
even higher than we imagined.

Our parting celebration was lunch at the Corkscrew Cafe in Carmel Valley. Then we headed back to the East Bay.

The cafe

Carmel Valley view

On the trip, we learned that Gilroy, California is the garlic capital of the US.

These familiar undulating hills touched by
 the afternoon sun caught my eye on the return trip.