Lone Cypress TreeSpontaneity is not exactly Herb’s cup of tea, so I was pleasantly surprised when he suggested a 3-night getaway of my choice.

I toyed briefly between Mendocino and Carmel before deciding that Carmel would have more things for us to do.

So we got the last room at our go-to hotel in Carmel, the Carmel Bay View Inn, and headed south, where we would explore Point Lobos Natural Reserve, Big Sur, and Monterey.

The weather wasn't perfect, but we had some great hikes and meals.