Alas, our trip comes to an end

(disclaimer: this one is loaded with pictures)

Day 5 of our Cali trip turned out to be both of our favorite, even though a large majority of it was spent in our rental car. We woke up early and headed south on Pacific Highway 1. It runs right along the Pacific Ocean and has miles and miles of unbelievable ocean views. If any of you are ever out in SF, it is more than worth the trip. We drove through Big Sur (a town famous for its huge cliffs and amazing coastal views), and continued south for another hour or so before turning around and coming back up the coast.

We stopped just south of Monterey in Carmel-by-the-Sea for a late lunch and to walk around the picturesque town. The beaches there are dog-friendly (we missed Bella terribly), and for those of you who are imagining how potentially disgusting that could be, know that there are VERY strict rules about picking up after your pet. 

The cottages along the coast are unbelievably cute...

What will one of these cute little cottages set you back? We were curious and pulled a flyer on one that was for sale - a 3/2, non-ocean view - $3.8 million. Yikes.

We then drove through of "17 Mile Drive", a stretch of beautiful homes and golf courses, including Pebble Beach. Here is the "Lone Cypress", the emblem of Pebble Beach Golf Course...

We saw a deer near the road grazing along the course and in front of one of the giant homes.

We then headed back to Monterey and enjoyed a lovely dinner along the wharf at a delicious Mexican restaurant. The salsa, entrees, and margaritas were fantastic. Our only complaint - they did not serve cheese dip (gasp!). (For those of you who do not know, Walker and I take down at least 2 cheese dips on any given visit to a Mexican restaurant.)

Sadly, we flew out the next morning. However, we were returning to B'ham relaxed and with huge academic/work burdens lifted from our shoulders. So for the moment, life in the Fain household is relaxed and wonderful :).