Tuesday 6/23, Part 1: Monterey

After looking at brochures that we picked up in the hotel lobby, we decided that we would visit the Path of History in Monterey! We knew we were in the right place when we came across markers with many languages along the brick walkway. 

We arrived a little bit before the place to pick up a map opened. So we read some plaques leading up to the entrance that shared about the rich history of Monterey. Did you know that California constitution was written there? Or that a man raised an American flag above the customs house 2 years before they actually became a state because he thought they were at war with Mexico? Or that when California was part of Mexico, Monterey was the capital of the northern 'Alta California' portion? Or that Steinbeck lived there? Neither did I! Always learning!

After getting an overview of the history we would be seeing, we sat outside on a bench and enjoyed the view. 

Once the Colton House opened, we went in to get a map and figure out our plan! This was the room where they signed the California Constitution! The sign in sheet was on display. The handwriting was gorgeous--and most of them wrote out their ages in word form!

Next stop was the jail where they held prisoners until the 1950s! 

Then we walked around seeing various Adobe houses. We got to see one house where John Steinbeck lived for a time and wrote...a famous piece that I'm blanking on the name. We also got to see the customs house that looks similar to the way it did when Monterey was part of Mexico. There was so much more on the Path of History that we didn't get to see!! I highly recommend it if you are ever in the area. :)

*I believe this was where Steinbeck lived! 

*Cant remember the full history on this house but I loved the blue gate!

We walked onto one of the piers for lunch and enjoyed a beautiful viewing spot where we got to watch and listen to sea lions. Even paid a quarter to use the telescope! So gorgeous and peaceful!

We ended our time in Monterey by driving down to Cannery Row where the canning factories used to be. There was a small beach there. So we stopped to watch the waves for a few minutes before leaving for San Francisco! This stop was brief but completed the time in Monterey nicely. :)

*Alyssa holding her little jar of sand to add to her dirt collection. (We both have one!)