Carmel Valley's Fiesta and Other Stuff

Day 35 on the Monterey Peninsula
Wild Goose Cafe, Carmel Valley

I've settled in the Monterey Peninsula area quite nicely, actually living in the Carmel Valley area. I've been here just over a month and don't plan to get back on the road anytime soon. Having been on the road for almost a year, I need a nice, long, break.

I've opened an art studio above a small grocery market and have named it "Sola Sendero", which means "single trail" or as I interpret it, "lonely trail." I don't speak Spanish and I'm certainly no expert, but from what I understand the word "sendero" refers to a small path or trail that is only wide enough for one person to walk. The word "real", as in El Camino Real, refers to a wider roadway where wagons amble along and traffic is constant. Whatever be the case, I liked the sound of "sola sendero."

My web site dedicated to my artwork and the studio is at http://www.solasendero.com/.

My plan is to keep this blog alive and kicking. It will be my hangout to write about whatever I wish. I'm closing down my blog "Writefinger" and merging the content here. Therefore, MyRoadArt will be my blogging site for all things other than art. SolaSendero.com will be my art-related blog and web site.

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Carmel Valley held its annual "Fiesta" this weekend. I sat in the sun for five hours listening to classic rock and smelling BBQ ribs. Kids were playing, live bands were in good form, and the weather cooperated. Below are a couple of pictures.

4th of July at Fisherman's Wharf

Day 5 on the Monterey Peninsula
Wild Goose Cafe, Carmel Valley

The picture at right was taken yesterday while I was strolling down the boardwalk at the Fisherman's Wharf in Monterey. It was quite a spectacle as thousands gathered to enjoy the 4th of July.

Fireworks were scheduled for later on, but I decided to leave early. The crowds were enormous and I was afraid that it would take me days to get out once the show was over. The fireworks were located on a barge out in the bay, so I'm sure it was a great sight. But I was glad to leave while the traffic was still semi-navigable.

Below are some more photos and a video clip.

Home in Carmel Valley

I've been channeling Jack Kerouac lately, and wondering how I ever decided to get off the road and settle down in Carmel Valley, a small rural community a couple of mountains over and a ten-mile drive from Carmel-by-the-Sea or just plain Carmel if you wish. I am home, I think. At least I'd like to think I'm home.

I spent 323 days or so living in motels and in casinos on comps and attending art festivals and blogging and takeing pictures. I guess I'm tired and have stopped traveling. I came to Carmel and the Monterey Peninsula a few days ago and just decided to stay. The ocean, the cool breezes, the nice people keep things in balance when you consider this area is among the most expensive places to live. I'm paying more for gas than rent.

I've opened a studio for a place to hang out and write, paint, draw, swat flies, and watch delivery trucks drop off fresh fruit to the market that sits beneath me. All is well, so far.

Off the Road.

Day 323 on the road...not so fast.
Day 2 no longer on the road.

Wild Goose Cafe, Carmel Valley Village, California.

Well I've done it. For now, I'm off the road. After almost a year of traveling the Southwest, I've landed in the beautiful Carmel Valley, 10 miles inland in a southerly direction from Carmel and Monterey.

I'll be posting more in coming days on the reasons for leaving the road and what I've learned along the way. As for this blog, it will continue. So don't leave.

Scenic Hwy.198 near Coalinga

Cannery Row at Monterey Bay, Part 2

Cannery Row at Monterey Bay