Day 67 on the Monterey Peninsula
Wild Goose Cafe, Carmel Valley

It's hot today in the Valley! The entire summer was very mild and then out of nowhere, the past few days around here have been almost setting new records for high temps. I'm not complaining. Things could be worse. I could be back in Texas.

I turn 50 today. Happy Birthday to me. Thanks. Now to survive the next 50 years.

I've been trying to figure out how to add the data from another blog to this blog, but so far I can't come to terms with the "widget" code. Gee, what a nightmare. I want to add a bunch of links to a new linklist, without having to write them all in one by one. Cutting and pasting code is the usual way, but I can't figure out where to paste the code. I'll figure it out. It'll just take some time and thought. I might as well go ahead and type in the data!

I am getting a little fed up with Blogger...but I've come this far with them, I hate to change things up. I've got a lot of photos and posts here, and it would be a real chore to try to move stuff around. Blogger needs to get it's act together. But...you get what you pay for.

Day 66 on the Monterey Peninsula
Carmel Coffee Roasting Co.

On Saturday of Labor Day weekend I spent the day on the Peninsula. I started out at the Del Monte Shopping Center for lunch and to listen to some jazz music. Each weekend for a few weeks, a jazz concert will be held there. It was a little cool, but the sun finally broke out and it turned into a beautiful day.

After lunch I drove to Fisherman's Wharf and attended the Monterey Greek Festival. I also walked around the dock and spent some time at the Portola Plaza.

Below are some photos I took during the day.

This guy looks like a politician. Actually, he (she?) is one of "George's Birds." George is a regular at Fisherman's Wharf, along with his birds.

Greek dancing at the Monterey Greek Festival. Zorba never looked so good.

The crowd at the Greek Festival enjoying Greek food.

Whale Watching cruises are popular at the Wharf. I like the wooden fisherman who looks rather sad. I guess the fish aren't biting.

I guess they missed the sign...it says "no parking".

Day 55 on the Monterey Peninsula
Wild Goose Coffee House

Not much happening today. The weather is warm and locals are out walking their dogs and enjoying the nice warm weather. I began a part time job last week. I'm working a couple of nights a week and the location is near my home.

Yesterday I drove to Carmel to attend the Carmel Art Association BBQ and Auction. Read about and see some photos on my art web site at http://www.solasendero.com/. I also posted a short video clip on youtube. See below.

Day 51 on the Monterey Peninsula
Wild Goose Cafe

I've been really busy getting settled into my art studio and working on my art web site at www.SolaSendero.com. Therefore, I've not had much time to do much in town. Many places I have yet to see. But as time goes on I'm beginning to get familiar with the area.

I'm looking for work in a local art gallery, and that's been a lot of hard work. Looking for a job is always a difficult task, especially if you are looking for a specific kind of work. But I'll find something soon.

I did take the time to see the movie Dark Knight. Heath Ledger was amazing, of course, and it's a shame he had to die at such a young age. The movie itself is indeed dark.

The local schools have started, and warm days have been in town this week. Some have said this will be the last few days of really warm weather before the Fall season. The entire summer has been mild here. Carmel has been cool most days. Carmel Valley, eight miles inland, is generally 10 degrees warmer than Carmel. Having come from the hellish 100-degree days in Texas, this is paradise.

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.