Along Carmel's Scenic Bluff PathEvery first week in December we usually take a short trip south along the coast somewhere to pretend that winter hasn’t yet arrived. In the past, we have gone to San Diego, San Simeon, Santa Barbara, and Morro Bay.

I always try to convince Herb that it is all part of his birthday celebration (12/3) and that he is spoiled, but then he reminds me that we also seem to go somewhere that I want to rather than him. That’s what he gets for letting me be the trip planner. .

This time, we decided to go a little closer to home - Monterey and Carmel, just 3 hours south of us. Rather than camping either in our Lazy Daze or Toyota 4Runner (converted for camping), we decided that a motel room made more sense, especially because of the early darkness.

I was surprised how reasonable the prices were mid-week this time of year, and was able to book three nights at the Carmel Bay View Inn, with a fireplace and balcony with water view, right in town for $150 a night.

I was pretty excited - for Herb that is. After all, it was his birthday celebration.