Scenes from Monterey, California

• We watched as thick strands of salt-water taffy curled together in the front window of the candy store. Inside, we sampled some peppermint salt-water taffy, and Gabriel treated us to some caramel corn and peanut brittle.
• Walking along the desolate wharf, restaurant staff aggressively offered us clam chowder samples in tiny paper cups. We declined.
• Atop a look-out, we spotted sea lions hanging on to buoys in the bay.
• A funny blue bird, sitting in the pouring rain, did a mating dance with a swooping motion.
• Quizzical, comical, curious seals made our trip to Monterey great.