Day 5 - from the mountains, to the prairie, to the ocean...

Today we got up and had light breakfast of granola bars and juice... Then we packed up and hit the road. Kind of hated to leave as it was very serene and peaceful at the Narrow Gauge. Donkey never did remember which room was ours as they all looked alike.

Then we drove down from the mountains - through Madera California and across the state on Hwy's 152 and 156 through intermittent rain. We stopped at the mission at San Juan Bautista. It is a very cool mission.


Romped a bit outside before touring the mission grounds.

Ellen always tries to get a pic with the celebrities - in this case Father Junipero Serra

As usual with these missions - they are very basic, except for the chapels

Had great lunch at a Mexican restaurant - with a patio so Donkey could join.
Then we continued our drive - It was raining on and off most of the way

It was still raining when we finally ended up at our hotel in Carmel - the Cypress Inn. The inn is owned by Doris Day - a notorious dog lover. Dogs were all over the dining area - sitting with their owners. Donkey was very well behaved as we sauntered through.

But once we got to our room - it was very cozy

This is a dog friendly Inn - and they even give you a throw to cover the bed - or for your pet to sleep on. Most of the other dogs here are small (pekingese, maltese, etc) although we did meet a cool Newfoundland puppy. We had dinner at PortaBella - very dog friendly. The Maitre De had a Dane and welcomed us through the restaurant to their back covered patio - very nice on a rainy evening.


Then back to the hotel to relax and fortify for the next day.