Monterey

In Monterey, we stayed with Thomas' Uncle Tom and Aunt Lois, who retired there last year from Fresno. They are loving life.

A boat taken over by sea birds

We wandered down a pier and into this wholesale market to look at the fresh fish. "Wanna see something really big?" asked a salt-crusted fisherman. And then he showed us a 14 lb. lobster. It was really big.

Tom and Lois have passes to the Monterey Aquarium, so they gave us the local's tour, guiding us straight to the glowing jellyfish and the sharks. They also made sure I got to touch a lot of stuff.

Me touching a sea cucumber

Touching starfish

Thomas with the otters

After the aquarium, we went sea kayaking in the bay. Lois bundled me up in her wetsuit, windbreaker, Aqua Socks, and gloves. Thomas and I paddled into the bay, out to the aquarium, where the thick of seaweed rose and feel like a blanket. Seals swam up to inspect us, right up to the boats. There were curtains of translucent jellyfish. It was an amazing and memorable experience.

Tom and Lois inspired me to retire as early as possible. Lois also inspired me to enter things I make in fairs; her biscuits are blue-ribbon winners.