Monterey Bay! What an incredible
natural resource. Whales, Otters, Sea Lions, the aquarium...
teeming with life, both land and sea. Steinbeck wrote of the color
and history of Cannery Row, we all love to hit the Wharf. But there
is much more to Monterey Bay than the Wharf proper.
The date of September 18, 1992 was the day the NOAA (National
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) designated Monterey Bay as
the eleventh National Marine Sanctuary. This incredibly rich and
diverse area of sea life and water-based industry was, in that one
moment, delivered a priceless shot in the arm of its future health
and well-being.
At the north/south center of the bay lies a spot which, to many
people's relief, retains much of its original charm. Moss Landing,
which started its history as a wharf for the ocean-based businesses
in the area in 1866, still thrives as such today, enjoying the
short distance from the more touristy Monterey Wharf area and the
less crowded atmosphere it allows. While the aquarium and the pier
are fun to visit, if you want to get a look at what the bay used to
be like, you want to hit Moss Landing. Great restaurants and cafes,
seafood shops and boats selling live crab and fish pretty much
year-round, Elkhorn Slough and its kayaking heaven, rustic
B&Bs... they all combine to give an old school feel to this
cool area. And they have the best boutique whale watching company
on the entire bay!
I placed this cache here because it's one of the best places to
experience the greatness that is Monterey Bay and I think I'll be
spending a LOT of time here for the foreseeable future (hence
"phone home", because I'm not moving, and it is a hint to
placement). I hope you enjoy this jewel of a place!
Wheelchair friendly and a quick P&G if no muggles present. Keep
an eye out for mugglie boat inhabitants too. Not best for
late-night just because you're under a light and locals might
wonder what you're up to. No parking fee needed if you're fast, but
$3 gets you four hours if you wanna poke around. Can walk down from
any restaurant nearby in minutes.
