Wednesday Walk-Along in Carmel-by-the-Sea

Let me take you back to November 2008 when I arrived in Carmel-by-the-Sea, in California.

I stayed at The Colonial Terrace, just a short walk from the beach. It was a perfect place to rest and adjust to the time difference before heading for the most blissful 6 weeks of my life at Esalen, Big Sur.
Having left a cold dark November England, that first morning sitting on the terrace eating breakfast and looking at the glimpse of the sea was a health giving tonic.

I was escaping Christmas! I can only face a UK Christmas every other year, it is mainly the commercialism I have to escape from. So every other year I go on an adventure and this was my 2008 escape.

I had a couple of days to wander along the beach

discover some quaint cafés

and look at some really lovely houses.

I did take absolutely masses of photos and was enthralled by Carmel. I’ve deleted many of the photos over the years, but these happy reminders remain.

Clint Eastwood was once Mayor of Carmel.

It was a beautifully peaceful, unhurried place to be, which set me up perfectly for my 6 week stay at Esalen, doing a Creative Expression course followed by 5 days of Process Arts.

The drive from Carmel was full of twists and turns and I was feeling a bit queasy when I arrived at Esalen, but the scene that met me took my breath away

and a look around the gardens 

made me feel fine again and right at home.

this gorgeous wooden cabin was to be my home during my stay

which I shared with the most wonderful woman – we got on so well and I’m glad to say we remain  friends despite the distance between us.

the evenings looking out to sea were special,

well, there was so much that was special about that trip.

This sign was up in the Art Space

If only I could remember that advice!!!

I hope you have enjoyed my walk down memory lane, I’ve really enjoyed sharing these happy memories with you.

And staying in the US:

Beachcombing with Alisa Burke 

And then, closer to home:

A Walk around London

Please leave a link to one of your walks in the comments below, I’d love to walk along with you. Stroll on!