Commentary By Rick Rodriguez
Next month the world's best golfers come to Pebble Beach Golf Club for the playing of 110th United States Open. Yesterday, I spent some time at the Pebble Beach Lodge receiving training for my position as a Marshal for the event! I landed a position on the 8th hole and while it will be hard work; my love of golf and a spot inside the ropes, at Pebble Beach no less, will ease the work load!
Here's a view of the hole from the green back to tee box (upper left at cliff edge). This is typically an iron shot for amateurs. Professionals will drive it in the fairway in upper right and down to hole. The 1st time I played this hole I hit in the Pacific, took a drop at the edge of the cliff (center of photo), used a six-iron, hit on the green and 1 putted for a Par! Easy game. Actually, that was really lucky as anyone that plays the game can attest.
It was a short quick trip down to Monterey. The kids enjoyed stopping in at the Monterey Bay Aquarium an almost ritual for us every time we are in town. And, running about on the beach is a constant request, too! This was made easier for me since our room was at the very reasonably priced Best Western situated adjacent to Seaside Beach. I've stayed here numerous times and the rooms, service, and proximity to everything is excellent!
That evening, we had dinner at Little Napoli, a great place for Italian/Seafood cuisine, and I highly recommend stopping in for a great meal. You might even catch Clint Eastwood roaming about the place as I did on my previous visit! Try the II Pescadore (cioppino rosso), a combination of seafood and pasta and go with Pepe's wine selection. I can't wait for another visit to this fine establishment! Oh yes, plan ahead, the venue is small and the wait is sometimes long!!
In the morning, I drove down Highway 1 to Andrew Molera State Park, about 30 minutes from Carmel-by-the-Sea, to explore some new trails. I had previously run a Half-Marathon in the park many years ago. So, in a way it was trip down memory lane! Pushed for time, I took a quick jaunt out to Molera point and along a cliff side trail before heading back. The trail was flat but canopied in some sections and sparsely attended. I was somewhat taken aback by the run off from the Big Sur/Los Padres National Forest down to the Ocean. The flow was brisk, heavy, and relentless. My excursion rewarded me with views of the Pacific, Big Sur, and Andrew Molera State Park. The drive along Highway 1 offers some of the best coastline views in all of California!
According to a friend "it's not how many breaths you take but those moments that take your breath away," and for me this is one of those moments! I can't wait to get back to Pebble Beach!!
RICK RODRIGUEZ is a Real Estate Broker & Property Manager with 27+ years of experience in the real estate busness. Rick, a Bay Area native and graduate of Saint Mary's College, services the San Francisco East Bay Area including the communities in the 680/580 freeway corridors, and Southern Alameda & Southern Contra Costa County. Contact Rick at rrodriguez@pacunion.com or (510) 326-4795.
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