Monterrey and Salinas

The flight from DFW to Monterrey was smooth and easy. We hadn't realized how small the Monterrey airport is! One terminal! Deplaning was via a ramp to the tarmac, then across the pavement into the airport. No jetway or passenger boarding bridge here! In the old days, we deplaned via stairs, so a ramp was a step-up from that (pun intended!). The rental cars were just a few steps inside the airport, so getting a car was quick, easy, and convenient.

Breezy 50-60 degree temperatures were a delightful (if chilly) switch from our Texas heat. We drove along the scenic coast, then through serious agricultural areas enroute to Salinas, where we stayed the night. Fields and fields of artichokes! Other crops, too, but artichokes were the surprise. Fruit stands were selling strawberries and cherries.

Walking around the area, I was reminded yet again of what a gardeners' paradise this climate is. Walking past green hedges, I stopped in wonder that it was jade plants 6 feet tall with stems as thick as a small tree! We saw lovely purple flowers spikes 4 feet tall, and realized it was a type of sedum. I just took a few pics around the hotel today.Read more