We arrive at Asolimar a day early...you know...just in case the Coast Starlight lives up to it's other name: the Coast StarLate. Lucky for us, we wind up arriving right on time and have a whole day before ukulele activity begins. Hum. What to do in Monterey...?
First we explore the fabulous grounds at Asolimar State Beach Conference Grounds.
Our accommodations are a bit more spacious than our Amtrak roomette! A king size bed and a lovely fireplace greet us as we open the door. We discover that each night a fire is set in the fireplace just for us!
It's a fabulous day for a walk around the grounds....
Wait! What's this? There are mountain lions around? After reading the information, Nan practices how to deal with a big cat, should you come across one on the path...or outside your door?!
Got it!
Not a mountain lion...
On Wednesday morning we are off to the Monterey Bay Aquarium for a few wonderful hours of seeing what and who lives beneath the surface of the sea. Oh, and a few penguins too!!!
Slinky iridescent jellies!
Then there is the long walk home....
We begin the West Coast Ukulele Retreat for real with tonight's dinner and introduction of this year's staff.
The classes run for the next three days. There are 7 instructors and about 100 ukulele students.
We really love Victoria Vox's song writing class.
Kevin Carroll from Austin, Texas!
A lot of walking between classes and meals and performances...
Great food...and a fun flash mob to Sweet Caroline. (Turns out there are members of the Kennedy family present for another retreat and in the dining hall that night)
Moments of reflection
Dancing!
Fireside time
Hop back in time to the 50's!?
A great time, full of music, new friendships, smiles, laughter, learning, singing and playing.
All of this in a beautiful place and space.
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