Another awesome Tax Day deal: The Del Monte Center’s P.F. Chang’s is offering 15% off all dine-in and take-out meals.

Cheers!

Waiting for A Home

Mick

Jerry Garcia

Mick’s and Jerry’s Bio, Courtesy of The Animal Friend’s Rescue Project

Hi, my name is Mick. I’m kind of a famous guy who has ended up in a bad spot. My owner surrendered me and my partner to the shelter and now I’m looking for a new home. I’m very handsome, neutered, and very friendly. I have buddy that I’m pretty tight with and would certainly hate to lose him. His name is Jerry Garcia, another famous guy. We of course came in together. So we’d like to go out together. It is pretty tough losing a home, but having Jerry makes it easier, at least we are together. We are making an adjustment and like the time with the volunteers. Jerry is pretty young so I am sort of teaching him the way of the world. We are both very friendly and like attention. Jerry is not altered yet because he is too young, but I am, so everything is cool. Jerry’s ears are a little crazy, but I think it gives him an endearing look. Ya think we might be able to shack up w/you???

Alfie

Alfie’s Bio, Courtesy of The Animal Friend’s Rescue Project

As a baby, ALFIE was quite a handful, so tiny he found himself squiggling into tight spots so we called him Trouble. He has since grown to be a “MAMA’S Boy”. He now prefers to sit beside his humans. He is perfectly litter trained. His favorite treat is a slice of apple every morning which he devourers. He was neutered on 9-04-09, and has been living with his brother – so he wouldn’t mind a bunny friend? He loves to run and dig.

Good Boy and Mama

Good Boy and Mama’s Bio, Courtesy of The Animal Friend’s Rescue Project

Good Boy is a fiercely loyal, gorgeous, loving Lionhead that is looking for his forever home. He has beautiful caramel coloring and will need daily grooming to keep his fur whispy. He has become protective of our beautiful Momma bunny who has been with us the longest. Momma is a sweet bunny who came from an LA shelter. In an ideal world, we would love for them to be adopted together. They are also available for foster. They are currently shacking up at Posh Pets in P.G.

Happy Easter from your friends at Visit Carmel!

California Mule Deer, Exploring Residential Pacific Grove

Local tolerance for The Peninsula’s Mule Deer may be waning, but some of us still love close encounters of the antlered kind, and we bet you will, too. They’re especially common in Pacific Grove and Carmel’s woodsy neighborhoods, and occasionally trot through heavily populated areas as well, so use your peripherals behind the wheel to avoid an overly-close encounter. Watch the families from a safe and respectful distance, and if you’re looking for a great place to start, try Pacific Grove’s Monarch Grove Sanctuary. And while you’re there;

Check Out These Monarchs.

Clustering for Warmth in The Monarch Grove Sanctuary

Visit The Sanctuary from October through December and see first hand why P.G. is called “Butterfly Town, U.S.A.” Monarchs cluster high in the eucalyptus branches for heat, but break away and fill the air on sunny days. Bring your camera, and binoculars if you have them — and keep in mind that our Police Department issues a $1000 “butterfly molestation fine”. Learn more about our fluttery friends at The Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History.

The California Sea Otter

Sleepy Otter Photo Courtesy of Tyler Crocker Photography

Summer is the best season for spotting our endangered otters; they usually hang out in the Bay’s floating kelp clusters. Learn more about them and how you can contribute to their conservation at The Monterey Bay Aquarium.

Central Coast Seals

Harbor Seal Photo Courtesy of Tyler Crocker Photography

Check out the five varieties of seals and sea lions that bask in the bay year-round. A stroll from The Fisherman’s Wharf to Cannery Row along the coastal bike trail guarantees some quality seal-spotting. The Marine Sanctuary’s Beach, just south of The Aquarium, is also packed with sun-soaked seals.

Whales

Whale of a Tail Photo Courtesy of Tyler Crocker Photography

The Peninsula hosts wonderful whale watching tours year-round, during which you can spot Gray Whales, Humpback Whales, Blue Whales, Pacific White-Sided Dolphins, Risso’s Dolphins, Northern Right Whale Dolphins, Common Dolphins, Killer Whales, and Dall’s Porpoise. Many tours leave from Old Monterey’s Fisherman’s Wharf, and some require reservations, so do a bit of research beforehand. For an especially educational trip captained by experienced marine biologists, go with The Monterey Bay Whale Watch.

Hope you enjoy our Peninsula’s diverse wildlife, and watch out for the less friendly animals, like raccoons, mountain lions, and this aggressive Lover’s Point ground squirrel:

Ground Squirrels, Tame and Fearless

Unless, of course, this is your idea of a good time. Not recommended.

A Squirrely Scene On Carmel-By-The-Sea Beach

Our “Extremes”

Our lowest average temperature occurs from December-January, and is just above 51 degrees, with our warmest average, 71 degrees, in September. Every other month hovers in the mid-to-upper 60’s. Pretty much, pack a light jacket, and you’ll be comfortable any time of the year.

The Supposably Elusive Sunny Day

Visit during two of our cloudiest, mistiest, stormiest months, and you still have a 50% shot at getting a sunny day. That percentage leaps to the 90th percentile from May to October. Want to increase your odds? The blanket of fog that hovers over Pacific Grove often ends abruptly over David Avenue, creating a natural divide between P.G. and Monterey. Another way to make your own luck with our weather; plan to stay and play in:

Carmel: “The Sunbelt”

Carmel's Sunny Davendorf Park In March

Carmel’s weather is exceptionally beautiful; cool, misty mornings juxtaposed with warm sunny afternoons make for extra easy trip-planning. Starting with a tasty drink and pastry from The Carmel Coffee House guarantees a good morning, and, as the fog lifts, you can make your way through town, popping into the assorted art galleries and boutiques that catch your eye. By the time you reach Carmel-By-The-Sea Beach, you’ll have the breeze at your back, the sun on your face, and the frigid/sweltering/fire-whirling weather back home will be a distant memory. Beach bonfires roar to life around dusk, defying the chilly night air and inspiring after-dark fun with new friends, or, you can turn in for the night and enjoy a glass of wine beside a cozy fireplace. Whatever your plans, be sure to rest up; there’s so much more to do tomorrow.