Racoons in Monterey Bay

We arrived two days ago (17th) here in Monterey Bay. We had planned to go straight from LA to San Francisco, but realised that we were city-hopping a bit and fancied a sprinkle of nature on our city salad. Plus we realised on our last night in Tokyo that we had to book somewhere otherwise the US immigration might remove my other testicle. Good old Google, we simply entered 'nice places on the west coast' and found this little beauty.

We took the Amtrak train here, which was such a nice surprise. The seats are enormous and comfy, and they have viewing carriages for the coastline scenery. We had a lovely meal in the dining car and a good sleep as we were very jet-lagged from our Japan flight. When we arrived at Salinas there was a bus waiting for us. Older ladies seem very keen on my English accent (and tell me so), to the point where our friendly female bus driver took us right to our hotel door. Claire was giggling in the back as we pulled over for a good ten minutes so that Nolene could give me maps, leaflets, and her private number 'should we need a guide.' The other passengers were very kind.

Using our secret hotel booking site, which has so far given us three amazing hotels for less dollar than a bed in a shared hostel, we checked into a lovely old place on one of Monterey's main streets. When it was built in 1903 out hotel was one the most modern hotels on the west coast (simply because of having gas and electricity - happy days). It's still got original features everywhere, and from the front door you could throw a tennis ball at about six quaint coffee shops, an arty cinema, a few good eateries, and if you had a sailor's arm you could probably hit the sea, which is about 200 metres along the road.

The first night we ate garlic calamari on the pier and saw a racoon enjoying a fish supper. He had a cheeky little face, and it was only as I crept within metres of him that I remembered someone telling me that they can take your face off if angered. Crept quickly away from my little masked friend, letting him know that's he's the boss of the pier. Lesson learned.

We also saw a seal as we walked along the beach to Cannery Row. Got all excited -camera out, lots of pictures taken - only to round the bend and find twenty more lounging on the rocks. They lie on their backs for hours, sunning their smooth bellies and occasionally snorting loudly. 'Uncle Ray?', I shouted. An easy mistake.

Cannery Row was renamed after a book of the same name written by John Steinbeck, who lived here in poverty before finding fame through his writing. It used to be an enormous producer of fish, squid and badger-hides, but now it's more of a tourist destination. I've written a book about Stoke-on-Trent called 'Pottery Strip', and have written to the Council to see if I can initiate a similar name change. I believe Pottery Strip Football Club are still doing well in the premiere League.

Claire and I are having a lovely time here. We've already booked in for three extra nights, which means that we'll have a week-long holiday before heading north to Seattle and then Canada. The age of the Apple Mac is a truly great one, as we can sit in coffee shops, jump on Wifi and work away to our heart's content. We hope you're all happy and healthy, we miss you lots and can't wait to chill with you all again.

Tom

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NOTE!: This video is dull. It's the view from the Amtrak, showing just how close you ride next to the Pacific. Save this for a rainy day, or a sleepless night.