It’s now Friday, after a morning walk and breakfast, we headed into town to pick Pearl up. Having planned a party for tomorrow to kickoff summer, Uncle John & David dropped me off and headed to get some necessary supplies. Everything was great, until Pearl wouldn’t start. Womp womp womp! The gloom, normally referring to the weather here in June, has now set upon me. What could be wrong with her? She hadn’t had any ignition issues before I dropped her off. Making new plans to fix this, I had to get back to the house before heading to Big Sur with Uncle John and Gianna for a photo shoot of a real estate listing. This property was tucked about a mile off the PCH on a little mountain road below the redwoods. Two small cabins seemed very out of place for a coastal area, but it was nice to see the change so close to town. This evening, we would begin prepping for the cookout tomorrow and begin watching Lupin, a Netflix original. We are all hooked.

After a quick run this morning up to the Point Pinos Lighthouse, there was work to be done before the cookout this afternoon. Kicking off summer, and celebrating 4th of July a little early, we had decorated the neighborhood bocce ball court and yard of a neighbor with flags and banners. For centuries, people have gathered around a hearth or fire pit with a feast at hand and the anticipation of celebration; the smell of charcoal burning, takes me to a place where the best memories are kept, spending time with family and friends. With California coming off Covid restrictions, a summer cookout was the best way to welcome everyone back and see some familiar faces, and a pleasant way to meet new ones. Having the prep work and decorations taken care of, we took a minute to rest before the party got started. In total we had around 50 neighbors show up and had a joyous gathering from around 130-530. I think it is amazing to have a place nearby where the neighborhood can gather and spend time together enjoying a meal. The food was fantastic, drinks were ice cold, and the bocce was competitive. Gianna and I played against Uncle John and Anthony; under some tough court conditions and a slow start, we were down early but came back strong to win 15 – 11. With such a long day, much of spent in the sun, I was spent; but first opted for a soak in the hot tub before heading to bed.

We kicked off Fathers day with our walk as normal, and then Uncle John and I went to the Victorian Corner for breakfast. Needing to finish cleaning up, we took care of the trash and packed up the tents and chairs to the storage unit. I called dad late in the morning and wished him a Happy Fathers Day; everyone was grilling out at their house to celebrate later. I received a text from him later in the afternoon, that I had missed all the fun – power washing the back patio; what he didn’t know is that I had been doing the same thing all afternoon cleaning up the patio furniture on the front porch. We had a guest for dinner, Paul M. and enjoyed fresh yellowfin tuna steaks blackened and served with a hot mustard sauce along side steamed asparagus and rice.

Mondays are for the birds, just kidding. But really, what happens on Mondays, that is exciting (funny thing is as I’m writing this, I am reminded it is Monday and while enjoying a cup of coffee on the edge of Lake Tahoe, maybe the best Monday ever). Today was a bit slow; I checked on Pearl and tried making plans for later in the week after I departed Pacific Grove.

First thing this morning, we walked as usual, but instead of an out and back, we kept walking past Asilomar Beach, where we saw a whale had washed ashore – most likely a humpback, and continued on to the Victorian Corner. Longest walk of my visit, 5.5 miles. Eight days ago, I took Pearl to the mechanic shop; today I would get to pick her up. Like a kid on Christmas with a brand new bike, I was grinning from ear to ear. As we drove along the coast, past the house and up to Asilomar Beach, I couldn’t stop singing “Reunited” by Peaches & Herb. The surf at Asilomar seemed to be rocking and the color set up for a perfect shot.

I even ran into a family from Raleigh, that happened to go to NC State. They noticed the stickers on Pearl’s back glass and tossed up the wolf hands. I always enjoy meeting new people everywhere I go, but when you run into Wolfpack Family so far from home, its something special. We should have started a Wolf – PACK chant across the road for old time sake.

Another day spent looking at my departure route and trying to book lodging, after a walk and breakfast. Lunch would be a bit more exciting. Amidst the European Championship, France lined up against Portugal while Germany played Hungary. Both games were stellar, but each ended in a 2-2 tie knocking Hungary out of the tournament. Dinner tonight was a bit of a treat. We would head to Roy’s at the Spanish Bay Club, and while that was excellent, the real draw was the bagpiper.

After a trip to the UK, with much time scheduled for Scotland, was cancelled due to the Covid Pandemic last year, being able to witness the bagpipes being played on a links course, in that setting awakened something primal in my soul. As the drones bellow a deep resonance, a chill rises over my neck; envisioning the lone piper perched on a knoll, with spirited jubilation an ancestral call echoes like a memory calling me home. Having an opportunity to witness pipes and drums being played in front of my ancestors home, Duart Castle on the Isle of Mull, is priceless; and every time I hear them played I am transported back to that moment.

Today, we made our walk to Asilomar Beach and then drove into town for breakfast at First Awakenings. Finally, I think I have subdued my sweet tooth with a Texas French Toast. Heading home, we made a few stops for paint chips and to look at houses in the neighborhood for a client. Uncle John, Gianna, and I all spent a good portion of the day working on the front porch. They took care of actual (real estate) work, while I again finalized some last minute lodging and route preparation. Later that afternoon, Gianna and I headed to Point Lobos for a wander. Not having anything to do with wolves, the park is aptly named for the bark the seals make, reminding early settlers of a wolfs howl. Rocky beaches, tide pools, and cliffs donned with cypress trees, the park is a beautiful space roughly 25 minutes south on California 1, from Pacific Grove. It was great to get outside and enjoy the natural landscape and with great company too. What a day!

This morning, I was left to my own devices. Having a good nights rest, I ran (pleasantly surprised by my pace) to Asilomar beach. Taking a few moments to breathe deep and enjoy the moment, I walked in the surf, feeling the cold water rush over my feet; I felt at peace. Heading home, I stayed along the beach as I ran back to the house (4.8 miles). With tomorrow being departure day, I took the chance to knock out some laundry before we played Vanderbilt in the College World Series Elimination game. Having beat them earlier in the week, I felt very confident in the team. With little time before the first pitch, I would learn, that members of the squad had tested positive for Covid, including some that were vaccinated. A decision was made and we played short handed with just 13 eligible players. Vanderbilt, with a full roster, was only able to win 3-1 with one of the nations best college pitchers on the mound. He struck out 8 of the first 9, but we were able to capitalize on a few late mistakes and keep the game close. Even with a loss, we still had a game to go in double elimination. Tomorrow game would decide who goes to the CWS Championship. For dinner, I took Uncle John & David to dinner at Peppers Mexicali.

The gloom has lifted and the last two weeks has truly been a spectacular time. I have enjoyed spending this much time with my uncles, making new friends, and getting to explore the area around Pacific Grove, California including Big Sur, Carmel, and the Monterey Bay Area.