More of my time in Carmel - beaches, gorgeous hotel and restaurant.

My time in Carmel seems ages ago but it's only been a week since I was there. I've certainly been packing it all in on this trip. I wanted to share where I stayed in Carmel and some of the beautiful beach photos I took.

While in the US I've been waking really early which is quite unusual for me so I've been getting up for sunrise most days. I love the beach in the early morning. Actually I love the beach at anytime! Look at the sun peaking through the trees below.

While in Carmel, I stayed at the Lamplighter Inn which is just a couple of blocks from the beach. It's such a cute little collection of rooms/cabins with the most beautiful fairy light lit courtyard. Travelling alone, I felt very safe there and it was lovely and sociable with free evening drinks and nibbles around a fire out in the evenings.

I booked last minute so had to change rooms which was fine as I got to experience 2 rooms - treetop and Katydid. The rooms are all different and so very much to my liking. White linen always does it for me.

I had a beautiful simple meal at the French restaurant La Bicyclette in Carmel. I just ordered a glass of champagne, some delicious white bean and vegetable broth and a pear and walnut salad. It was mouth watering delicious. Then the lovely waitress gave me a complimentary dessert, her favourite - a chocolate pudding with raspberries and a glass of a really nice Cabernet Sauvignon. What a treat. My whole meal including tip was around $23.

One thing I love about travelling alone is the conversations you have with strangers. People are very friendly and approach you more often when you are by yourself. I've met some very interesting people on my trip. I also have enjoyed time by myself wandering along the beach. Just around from Carmel Point where so many of the beautiful houses are, is Carmel River State beach. The water is the most beautiful colour - bright aqua with wild surf. Quite different to Carmel beach and well worth the walk.

The sunset in Carmel is pretty gorgeous also. Every night there are lots of people gathered on the beach to watch it. Some people with deck chairs and wine. How lovely. I'll leave you today with some photos of the beach and sunset.

Fiona xx