Day 16: Hasta la vista, Monterey

This being our last day in Monterey, we had a bit of a bucket list to work through. Pebble Beach Golf Course, the wharf, bodysurfing, and the DMV all needed our attention--as we think could be said by any tourist in California--and we are happy to report that we visited them all.

Today the Ocho learned how to drive!  No wait, she just got reacquainted with a drivers license.  After a 6 month+ separation, the Ocho made a trip to the DMV to get her new drivers license.  It was a very special moment and we all hope that this license has a longer lifespan than her previous one that did not live to see the year 2012 (the Mayans were right!).  The Captain also made a trip to pick up our finely tuned Swedish tank.  With fresh oil and rotated tires we are ready to hit the road again!

Aside from these few errands, the morning was slow and relaxed.  LT2 and The Ocho were finally able to catch up on all of this season’s Mad Men episodes.  Both viewers give it two thumbs up!  After a lot of intense fictional drama it was time to Cali out and we all head to the beach!

Our resident guide, The Ocho, gave us all lessons on how to put on wet suits and body surf.  Apparently the trick to keeping warm is to wet yourself.  The rip current was a little strong and Ocho had to help LT2 out on a few occasions.  LT2 was a bit like a fish out of water.  Good thing one of us is a certified California state lifeguard.  After catching a few waves and eating it a couple times, the four amigos were ready to head back to la casa de Kennifer to recuperate. 

After cleaning up, it was time to head to fisherman’s wharf.  We struck gold at a local bodega where we picked up some authentic tacos and other California purchases to sustain us through the rest of the trip.  Souvenirs aplenty were purchased on the wharf as The Fourth Amigo and LT2 grooved to the sounds on the Bee Gees.  A trip to California would not be complete without a stop at See's Candy to feed LT2's milk patty addiction.

Chocolate procured, the next stop was the pebble beach golf course.  We walked holes 4-9 along the ocean as The Captain, the only golfer among us, explained general rules, techniques, and course maintenance.  The Ocho and the Fourth Amigo headed down to the shore to search for lost gold balls.  The Fourth Amigo made the big find by acquiring a genuine pebble beach golf ball. 

A quick pit stop was made back to the house to switch cars and pick up the Ricks.  We enjoyed a wonderful last supper at Baja Cantina.  We enjoyed great food, beers, margaritas, and a wonderfully fluorescent green beverage!  It was an amazing way to cap off our stay in Monterey.  We are all sad to be leaving in the morning, but the open road is calling.  Plus, we all have a feeling that we will be back here soon!