Days 1-4

tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic-g32655-i61-k218356…

Day 5 – Sunday 27 – San Luis Obispo / Monterey

We had booked breakfast at Madonna Inn (as was told – correctly- that very busy at weekends with locals) for 8.30am.

Way past this when we got up but still only had to wait for 15 mins which gave us time to look at the completely OTT pink palace of a dining room and the feature waterfall in the gents!

Scenic drive up Highway 1 with number of dense foggy patches which meant driving was interesting in some parts. Stopped at the Elephant Seal look out point which was great.

Had obviously been following the fires online before we had left and some of the devastation it has caused was plain to see on the journey. Stopped at the Big Sur Bakery and had good chat with people in there about the effect it had made on the local community.

On leaving there we went to Pfeiffer Beach.

You have a short walk from the carpark to the beach and whilst walking through the trees to the beach it appears idyllic. On leaving the shelter of the trees we were met with a freezing wind and suddenly realised we were the only people in shorts and T-shirts and everyone else was literally in a fleece. Yes it was beautiful but boy it was cold. On returning to the car we saw another English family and they were putting sun tan cream on their child (again dressed for the beach) and I just didn’t have the heart to tell them.

Stopped in Carmel and actually had a deal of trouble finding the shops. To be honest I am not really sure what I made of Carmel. There was an intricate maze of houses, the majority of which were very attractive. Now apologies to any residents but I found it all a bit middle classed and surgically clean in its appearance. The shops were aimed to a certain market which is fine but just not something that personally appealed.

From there we went onto Monterey.

We had at last minute changed our hotel from the Casa Munras to the Intercontinental at Cannery Row. This was due to it actually been cheaper due to an opening offer of $170 and more conveniently located.

Reception was busy due to a tour party but still quick and efficient. Room was one of the best hotel rooms I have ever had. It had 2 twins in it, balcony with light and outdoor furniture, huge flat screen tv, large built in elec fire, bank of power points next to mirror (wife’s bugbear is no ppt near mirror) and large bathroom with walk in shower.

Went to Hulas for dinner. About 5 minute walk and was sort of Hawaiaan / burger type of food. Food and service both good and out of the way of the other restaurants heaving with tourists.

Day 6

tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic-g32737-i159-k21835…

Hotel sounds fab. Now I want to go to Monterey and it's not even in the plan!

Day 7-9

tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic-g60713-i30-k218361…

Day 10-13

tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic-g61000-i315-k21850…

Day 14-20 (Vegas)

…tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic-g45963-i10-k21857…