We went on a 2-day trip to Monterey. That was the first vacation-like trip in a year and half. The last we did it, it was banff. I just came back from china. A lot happened since then. We all have new job/school and we are living in a different state. My son has never been too excited on travel. It's the exact opposite of me. He seems to be content in staying close to home and play either inside or outside with me. I think that may be a sign that he is happy with his life. On the other hand, the fact that I want to get away may mean I am not that happy. This time, it was no different. He didn't want to get out of the car at the first scenic stop and wanted to go to hotel to play games he brought. After much persuasion, he grudgingly came along. It was a vista point on 17 mile drive. It was typical of northern ca shoreline, rugged and beautiful. He liked the rock hopping. We walked to the edge. The tide made a lot of foam. I called it whipped cream. He got a kick out of that. After this stop, he went willingly with me on the other stops. They were all similar, rocky shoreline, cypress trees, dark blue water, fierce tide beating the shore. At one stop, we hiked down to the shore and saw sea lions sun bathing on rocks in the distance. The air smells of salt and fish. I liked it very much. I was a good place to be alone and enjoy the scenery. We went back in the afternoon on the second day after a visit to the aquarium. It was a good start to get back into travel.