The Salinas River is over there as well. It's a marshy area, full of birds. That is a flock of pelicans coming in for a landing.
There were many species in the water. It's a lovely walk, even though it's short.
We headed out to look for the trail head of a paved cycling trail that goes into the defunct Fort Ord. After finding it, and some possible parking places we headed back. The trail is sort of frustrating, in that there are no parking areas - probably due to a desire to not have cars in the old army base.
I like this row of trees, they look skeletal.
We stopped at a farm stand for veggies. Prices are weird. Avocados as big as my hand are $1. The small ones are $1.79. We got an entire stalk of Brussels Sprouts for $4, and a honey dew melon for $1. Strawberries, which are grown here are about the same price as the grocery store. Almonds are $5 a pound, which seems high. Anyway, I must now learn to cook the sprouts, I've never eaten them before.
Pumpkins.
After lunch we drove to Monterey. We wanted to see what had happened with Cannery Row. But first we had to look at the ocean some more.
Look on the right, those are harbor seals.
Cannery Row was what we expected. Restaurants and tee shirt shops. Also ice cream.
They had some kiosks talking about the history of the wharf. This is a picture of a fishing boat. The fishermen are up to their knees in fish that have come up in the nets. Jim used to fish in Alaska when he was in high school. Standing in fish up to his knees was a powerful motivator for him to go to college.
After Monterey, we went to our new favorite fish market for giant shrimp (12-13 count) and crab meat. This is the best crab we've eaten ever.
Try this recipe for sprouts:
ReplyDeleteSprouts are either loved or hated. The trick is not to overcook them or they give off a distinct smell caused by sulphur being released during cooking. Avoid this by stir-frying. And the soy sauce tones down the flavour so even people who “hate” sprouts may change their minds. Sprouts are easy for children to peel and are lovely raw, so encourage nibbling as you prepare them.
Prep time: 20 minutes; cook time 5-6 minutes. Serves 4 as a side dish
500g trimmed sprouts, peeled
1 tsp sesame oil
1 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp sesame seeds
1 tbsp pumpkin seeds
1 tbsp sunflower seeds
1 tbsp pine nuts
Halve or slice the sprouts depending on their size. Heat the oil in a wok until hot then stir-fry the sprouts for 3 to 5 minutes until just catching, pour in the soy sauce and throw in the seeds and pine nuts. Stir and serve immediately.
Thanks Dave. I'm going to try this.
DeleteI'm guessing the large, less expensive avocados are the green local ones. They are lower in fat but watery to me. They are grown in Florida and Belize as well. The smaller, expensive ones are the Hass, Mexican grown. They are rich and creamy and so good. Unfortunately, the entire avocado industry in Mexico is controlled by the drug cartels, I've read. I still eat them because I love them so much, but I hate supporting the cartels.
ReplyDeleteI'm not a fan of brussels sprouts, though I want so badly to like them. I keep hoping someday I'll get some I like, but I doubt I'll be buying any to cook in the RV, as they do tend to be stinky, like cabbage.