Day 45 - Visit to Downtown Monterey!

Ken and I were up by 6:30 and got ready for our trip to the Naval Post Graduate School and to visit downtown Monterey.  We were on our way in Gregory's CRV by 8:30 and arrived in Monterey by 9:35.  We had a 10:00 appt. at the school so we took a little drive to find Fisherman's Wharf and down the main street of Monterey.  

We were at the school at 10 to meet with Heather, who knew and worked with Melissa's father for about 1 1/2 years.  Melissa's father, Lacy Suiter, was the director of Tennessee's Emergency Management Authority and later became the Executive Associate Director for Response and Recovery at FEMA under President Clinton and under President Bush until 2001.  He actually retired from that post in early September of 2001, right before 9/11.  But he was called upon during that crisis for help and advice.  After retirement he did consulting work and then helped establish and became the Director of Executive Education Programs for the Center for Homeland Defense and Security at the Naval Post Graduate School here in Monterey, one of only 2 places offering this program in the USA. Quite a legacy!  It was an honor for Ken and I to be a part of this special day for Melissa and Chuck.

From there we drove back to Fisherman's Wharf and enjoyed walking in that area.  Many good looking fish eateries for the fish lovers of our group.  I just walked by when they sampled numerous fish chowders.  There was also a May Festival at the Wharf, so we checked out the crafters tents.  

Walking at Fishermans Wharf!

There was a large Marina with many sailboats.

Walking at the May Festival and looking at the crafts!

Then we were ready for lunch so we took Heather's recommendation and walked to Rocines Italian Restaurant on the main street of Monterey.  This eatery had been visited by Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives and the food they highlighted was their lasagna.  Who was I to question what to order????   Melissa and I decided to share the lasagna and we both agreed it was the best we had ever had.  Then it was time to think about dessert, for the case with their homemade pies and cakes was a sight to behold.  We decided to all share the banana nut cake and when the $6.95 piece arrived, it was more than the 4 of us could eat.  (Well, we probably could have, but we decided enough was enough!)  It was delicious too.

Tell me you wouldn't be tempted??????  The one on the end
is an Almond Joy Cake!

This is the size of one piece!!!!  It was even bigger looking
when you saw it in "person"!

Melissa and I had the boys drop us off at Kohl's so we could look for some pairs of shorts while they went to Wal-Mart for some needed groceries.  Traffic was heavy on the way back to the CG and it took us 1 3/4 hours instead of an hour, only returning around 5:15.  Ken worked outside loading bikes, dumping the tanks, disconnecting the water, etc. while I prepped inside for our departure tomorrow morning. 

We called and sang Happy Birthday to our friend, Sam, in Lanc. Co. and then I talked to Doloris, who we usually camp with many times during the spring and summer.  We hope to camp with them in August and September.  Earlier I got a call from Nancy Savage and she and Neil are enjoying the RV-Dreams Reunion Rally in NC.

After dinner we went to Gregorys to play 5 Crowns (W) and then Skip-Bo (M).  We had such a fun time and today was certainly another best day!