Trip to California, May 2003

5/22/03
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Otter Point, Monterey where Karola is watching half a dozen sea otters playing in the kelp		 P5100204
There are supposed to be 2000 sea otters on the California coast. We saw about 15 of them on our trip.		 P5110210
China Cove, in the exceptionally beautiful Point Lobos State Park...		 P5110212
...where we saw harbour seals and sea lions		 P5110215
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Driving through Big Sur we stopped for a walk in a forest of coastal redwoods		 P5110217
At the top of the hill we could look back down the coast to Point Sur		 P5110222
At St Simeon we looked at an elephant seal colony		 P5110223
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We spent two days touring wineries in Paso Robles and Santa Ynez, starting with Tablas Creek, which makes glorious wines using Rhône varietals...		 P5130243
Lafond winery, owned by the Santa Barbara winery, whose tasting room we also visited.		 P5130244
Many, many thanks to Mark and Wendy for suggesting the vineyards and arranging some tours for us. Spectacular wines...		 P5130247
...spectacular countryside...
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...and an excellent lunch!		 P5130249
We visited the legendary point break at Rincon, where a single disconsolate surfer was camping...		 P5130252
...waiting for the surf to come up.		 P5130255
There was a tiny wave breaking right off the point, and four people waiting for the tiny rides, but we did see one more sea otter.		 P5140260
We spent the day exploring Santa Barbara.