Monterey conditions this weekend?

[Ben_ca]

7 January 2006

Okey I know the forcast was dismal but since it's been like that for 3 weeks I figured I'ld give it a try.... It didn't look too bad and since it was a west swell what the heck... So I left home at 0430 and picked up my buddy... Figured the Breakwater would be packed with students doing checkouts.. Lo and behold only about 10 ish cars there. Anyway all in all it was a great day.... Vis was almost 20 ish no waves, very minor surge and the weather was beautiful... So stop moping and let's dive

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The lower parking lot at 9 am Saturday 7 Jan 06

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Looking the other way

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Flat

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Ghost town... We saw only 1 OW class that day
SO what were you doing Saturday?

 

[BrianM]

It was our first time to stay there but definitely won't be our last. It's not much more expensive than the basic motels (we paid about $120/night) but had some nice touches like the gas fireplace, the pool & hot tub, free wireless internet and 2 free water bottles in the fridge on check-in. The manager & desk staff were friendly & suggested places to eat & called for reservations--they also give you "VIP cards" for free appetizers at some of the restaurants. We had a problem on New Year's Eve where Fish House claimed they didn't have our reservation & after waiting in vain over 30 minutes for a table while they seated people who arrived after us we called the hotel manager & she got us into Cafe Fina right away (which was a much nicer restaurant anyhow). When the internet went down for a bit they called us a couple of times to update us & let us know when it was back up. And the free aquarium tickets were a nice bonus! A friendly and helpful attitude goes a long way and is so hard to find nowadays.

If we want to stay somewhere nice on the water we'll still go to Monterey Bay Inn, but it's gotten much more expensive (though much fancier!) since their renovation. So the rest of the time we'll be staying at Monterey Bay Lodge, our new favorite!

Brian, congrats on your daughter just getting certified--your new buddy!

Unfortunately my new buddy politely informed me that she has no intention of braving the cold CA water again unless I buy her a drysuit. I've taken the kids to Mexico twice and I think they got spoiled with the warmth!!!