Monday morning in Monterey

I was up early again  (this is becoming an issue) so I walked down for my gallon of coffee at Peet's Tea & Coffee and then down to the wharf to take a few more pictures.
The whole area is a sea of tourists by 10:30, but at 7:30 it was very peaceful and I only had to share the view with a seagull.

Noisy critters, these seagulls, and don't even get me started on the harbor seals.
(Maybe a new t-shirt is in order for my fine flippered friends .))

But it was really tranquil to watch the seals splash around in the water and to hear them bark from their resting spots on the buoys out in the harbor.
Took more pictures of boats:

I had to be out of the Best Western Monterey (nice place!) by 11 so I hustled back (hustle is a good word isn't it?  Say it with me - hustle.  Hustle.  Hhusssstllle.  See?  Good, solid word.)

After checking out of the hotel and loading the bike, I went back to The Mucky Duck for lunch.
http://www.muckyduckmonterey.com/
I like a good English pub and TMD does a good job of it.  The poached eggs and steak with hash browns I had on Sunday were excellent and Christina behind the bar was really nice.  AND, they have regular tea.  (Seriously California, what's up with the Raspberry-Peach-Mango iced tea?)
I had the lamb burger with curly fries (I'm on a diet) for lunch on Monday and a great chat with Christina, a recent escapee from the nebulous grasp of Florida.  She moved to Monterey to be close to her BF, who enlisted in the army after earning his bachelor's degree.  (Finish your degree, Christina, and go to Avilo Bch. with your man.  Very nice down there.)

Got a few shots before heading up the road to San Jose.