All The Earth's Beauty

Wednesday was a busy but fun day! The boys headed to the golf course for a morning practice round while mom and I were off on an adventure with the US Open wives! Jim H., Dad, Ashley, Jim M., Danny, and Peter all enjoyed a 9am practice round with Jim Furyk, J.J. Henry, and someone else (ha, I can't remember). They had a beautiful day as there was no fog this morning. The girls enjoyed breakfast, dropped Abby off at daycare, and then headed for the bus. The wives were being treated to a hike at Point Lobos St. Park and lunch at Earth Bound Organic Farms. Emily Summerhays went today as well, so it was nice to have a friend along. Mom was thrilled to go, as this was right up her alley! I was surprised that so few wives/girlfriends decided to go. I think there were only 5 of us. How pathetic! The Nationwide Tour wives events get more turnout than that! My only thought is that some ladies may not have been interested in "hiking". Point Lobos was about a 30 minute bus ride south of the golf course. When we arrived we split into four groups of 4. We each had a docent (or tour guide). Our lady was so old and sweet. Her name was Deion. We saw so many interesting plants, wildflowers, mosses, trees, etc. We also were fortunate enough to see some harbor seals, sea lions, and sea otters. The views were just magnificent due to the clear skies. You could actually look north from the point and see the golf course! The point was purchased for preservation as the 400 acres it encompasses are one of only two places in which Cyprus trees grow, there and Pebble Beach! One of the most interesting sights was this orange stuff growing on many Cyprus branches. It looked like a moss, but indeed it is an algae, trentapolia! How cool. After our guided hike was over we got back on the bus and headed towards Carmel, to the Earth Bound Organic Farm stand. This is a pretty well-off farm stand as they market their organic produce to over 80% of US grocery stores. They primarily grow baby greens and salads, but the business began with raspberries. The owner met us and signed copies of her beautiful cook book, while a local vineyard, Talbot (yes, just like the store...same guy) gave us a private wine tasting! We got a tour of the on-site farm land. It was small production but certainly not lacking. Lunch was made of beautiful baby greens salad, whole grain salads and orzo, chicken breast, sliced sirloin steak, a myriad of grilled veggies, and fabulous cookies. EVERYTHING was organic. Even the silverware was made from potatoes. I was in heaven!!!!!! We enjoyed socializing and then it was back to the course to get the boys. Dinner tonight was, again, amazing! We were treated to a reservation at Roy's at Spanish Bay (another golf course on the peninsula). The meal was wonderful and then we headed out on their terrace for a view of the sunset and a bagpipe serenade! I currently sit waiting for my sister, Lisa, to arrive. Then it's off to bed, unless I fall asleep here first!........Till tomorrow