Carmel, California (Carmel-by-the-Sea)

We decided to travel down US Route 101 a bit more, to venture farther down the West Coast of the USA. This meant Carmel (Carmel-by-the-Sea), California, would soon be within view.

Carmel is one place in California I’ve always wanted to visit. I thought its name sounded pretty.

Also, I envisioned Carmel as a small village of white cottages, scattered about a sandy beach, wisps of sea grass blowing between. That’s it, all of Carmel right there.

Of course, upon arrival, everything about Carmel was different than I’d imagined. It’s funny how reality sets us straight.

Carmel had a little old downtown core similar to other small villages I’ve loved—clean, walkable, with a variety of character. Elegant buildings were also sprinkled about.

Surrounding residential homes were compact, eclectic (some fairy-tale-like), close together, under trees, on a knoll above the shore.

Carmel was also surrounded by two communities, Pacific Grove and Monterey. Pacific Grove’s beach water turned a phenomenal iridescent blue, where pelicans dove and otters bobbed.

In the center of old downtown Carmel, Carmel Belle was our best dining choice for gluten-free vegan food options. Mostly organic, our bellies were so grateful.

On the edge of Carmel, early one morning, I wandered around the Carmel Mission Basilica. This was a peaceful moment to remember that all deserve safety, within or without religion.

While strolling beautiful Carmel Beach, with its unique white sand, the bluest water, and locals taking a morning swim, we saw an adorable little dog feverishly watching his human’s valuables.

Then the Marine Mammal Center emergency vehicles roared toward a sea lion languishing, so ill, up on the beach. What a powerful reminder to always seek help … for every individual.