MONTEREY BAY, CALIFORNIA, USA

Monterey Bay is a bay of the Pacific Ocean, along the central coast of California.17-Mile Drive along the dramatic Pacific coast is one of the most famous scenic drives in the world. Part of it serves as the main road through the gated community of Pebble Beach. There are a total of 21 stops of attraction as you drive through the 17-mile road.


Cannery row is a street where former cannery buildings now turn into restaurants and hotels. The sardine canning factories failed after the collapse of the fishing industry in Monterey Bay in the mid-1950s, which resulted from overfishing.



The old fisherman’s wharf at Monterey Harbour.



As I journeyed on to Los Angeles, I took a detour to the famous Pebble Beach 17-Mile Drive after departing from San Francisco in the morning. Passed through the town of Monterey, before proceeding to the 17-mile drive.



Inside this community, non-residents such as myself, has to pay a toll to use the road.






A man jogging along the the Pacific Coastline.




Here am I at the Pacific Coastline.



My first stop was the Bird Rock. During spring and summer, nesting cormorants and gulls and roosting pelicans covers Bird Rock. At one time Bird Rock was just for the birds, but after its coating of bird droppings was mined for fertilizer, seals and sea lions moved in.



The rock’s location provides a somewhat sheltered spot between the waves and the shore. Harbour seals and sea otters are here year-round while birds and sea lions comes and goes depending on season.




You can insert coins into these binoculars and watch the sea lions, harbour seals and birds close-up on the Bird Rock.



Hmmm….anything?



Sea lions can climb to the top of Bird Rock to take a nap. Sea lions are noisy. The male sea lions barks to threaten each other.



Harbour seals usually sleeps on low seaweed-draped rocks. They are quieter compared to the sea lions but they make rude-sounding grunts and belches, as well as growls and yelps.



The most common birds you can see on Bird Rock are the Brown Pelican and Brandt’s Cormorant.



Couldn’t see the brown pelican.






The coastline of California is in within the tsunami hazard zone because of its proximity to the fault line.



A nice view while enjoying the cool breeze of the ocean.



You see the white blotches on the rock? Stain from paint? Nope, they are actually bird’s poop.



Bird’s poop everywhere.



Let’s just enjoy the view of Bird Rock.



The wildlife on 17-mile drive.



17-mile drive is mostly located between the Pacific Coastline and lush woodland dotted with majestic Cypress trees.



Lots of birds surrounding the area. Let’s have some fun with the birds.



The bus driver feeding the birds and I’m taking pictures with her phone.



Good shot.


Checking out the pictures I took. Nice pictures? Of course!



Ok, its my turn.
First you have to show the birds the delicious food you have.



Only the brave bird will go after the food, while the not so adventurers remain on the road.



The brave bird gets its reward.



A cute girl from China whom was with me for the whole duration of the tour.



Time to say goodbye to Bird Rock.





Next up is the Lone Cypress.



The Lone Cypress has prevailed on its rocky perch for more than 250 years. Lone Cypress is the living symbol of Pebble Beach Company, owner and manager of much of the 5,300 acre Del Monte Forest.



Lone Cypress is California’s most enduring landmarks.



Such a lonely tree.



Well, you’re no longer allowed to go near the tree. Fences and cables are being erected for protection in the hopes it will live to be 300.



Lonely Cypress is the corporate logo and trademark of Pebble Beach Company. As such, photograph or art rendering of the Lone Cypress for commercial or promotional purposes cannot be taken or created without written permission from Pebble Beach Company.




It has withstood storm and winds for more than 250 years.



Well at least the tree has a nice view of the coastline.



The stairs leading back up.





Time to make a move.



Goodbye Lone Cypress, wish you well.








My next stop is The Lodge at Pebble Beach.



Built in 1919 by Samuel F.B. Morse, The Lodge is home to world-famous Pebble Beach Golf Links. It is open to the public, offering a variety of dining and shopping options.



This is the past site of four U.S. Amateur Championship, five U.S. Open, a PGA Championship, The Tour Championship, and since 1947, the home of the Bing Crosby Pro-Am, now known as the AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am.






Fore!


This is the practice putting green area.



Good putt!



The Rolex clock.



The map of Pebble Beach Resorts. Where should I go next?



Golf carts are readily available.



The entrance of The Lodge at Pebble Beach.



The Guardian’s of the Door.



Welcome sir! My beau in a hurry to explore The Lodge.



Just behind The Lodge is the Pebble Beach Golf Links 18th Green.



Pebble Beach is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful courses in the world. Greens fees are among the highest in the world, at $495 (plus $35 cart fee for non-resort guests) per round in 2008.



The classic seaside holes with breath-taking beauty is regarded as one of the most beautiful courses in the world.



Notable professionals have played here including Tiger Woods, Mark O’Meara and Vijay Singh.




A place to relax and enjoy the view.






‘Just like dad’






Cosy fire place at the lobby area.








A painting of the coastline.



A row of shops at The Lodge.





Gallery Cafe.





Drinks? I’ll pass.



One of the many private mansions in the area.



Relatively affluent people lives here in Pebble Beach.



Leaving 17-Mile Drive and entering the highway.





Stopped here for lunch. This is one retro classic McDonald’s.



The original single Arch logo of McDonald's which can only be found in America.



The 17-Mile Drive is a relaxing retreat from the hustle and bustle of city life. The area is often described as "the greatest meeting of land and sea  in the world".  From here, I continued on to my next destination. Hollywood!


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