Larry and I headed over to Monterey for a conference this weekend. The conference was held at the Monterey Plaza Hotel and Spa. 
We got in just in time to have lunch before the conference.
We had a table for two overlooking the ocean. 
The tide was in and ocean swelled with waves. We watched a couple of kayakers maneuver in the bay. The bright orange kayaks were highlighted against the grey backdrop of the ocean and the sky.
Late afternoon when the conference ended, we settled into the piano bar in the lobby. While listening to the piano music we checked out the views from the balcony of the hotel, enjoying the ocean and the potted cyclamens showing off their colors.
We were waiting for the traffic to diminish before we ventured over to San Jose to visit our friends Rob and Jeanne. The rain was miserable, but gave us beautiful lights and scenery for the night drive to San Jose.
We awoke to a foggy view of downtown San Jose from Rob and Jeanne’s deck perched in the hills overlooking the city. 
Our hosts prepared a delicious cheese soufflé with coffee, scones and fresh squeezed orange juice from their yard.
We headed out to explore the quaint tiny town of Half Moon Bay. Wandering in and out of little shops, conversing with the shopkeepers kept us captivated most of the day. The sun was out but it was a blustery coastal day. We ducked in and out of the shops between raindrops and wind gusts. We enjoyed looking at jewelry, artwork, items for the home… the possibilities were endless. Our friends were in the market for dining room chairs and by chance found just what they were looking for in one of the local shops. Now that’s a find! The luck of the Irish.
We discovered this cute little garden area behind a bar where revelers were celebrating St. Patty’s Day.
We were anxious to explore the Ritz Carlton Hotel located on the ocean’s edge. 
Let’s have a drink in the bar! Pear martinis, a Ritz Carlton Sunset and a Guinness, this is the life of Riley. We enjoyed a bird’s eye view of the ocean and the golf course. 
From the warmth of the bar we could look out at the grey ocean and the edge of the course that reminded us of coastal Scotland. The flag on the green whipped around so hard that it was difficult to capture in a photo. 
Eventually we braved the weather to go out and look over the edge of the coast as the sun was setting. 
What was this… a lone bagpiper in full regalia. 
Seriously? Yep, he was playing an enchanting Scottish dirge for the hotel guests. What a treat. We only listened for a short time though as it was very cold and we rushed back to our car.
We hurried home to have hot fondue with veggies, apples and pears with crusty bread and a bottle of wine. 
That warmed us up after a cold damp day of exploring.
Tucker Travel 