The second day is just as memorable as the day before. After a much needed sleep, we were ready for another day. I think I’ve developed this tradition of getting local beer and coffee whenever I visit a new place. It’s my little way of supporting the community… I guess. I had my fill of beer the night before, now coffee. The place we stayed at is perfectly situated by downtown Carmel so taking a morning stroll is a must. We woke up in good spirits and ready to take on the day. But first we gotta find me some coffee.
Whoever designed and developed downtown Carmel is a freaking fancy and creative mofo. The shops that they have are top-shelf. I mean, they have a shop for Fine Pens and Paper. That’s fancy and hoity-toity as fuck. You think I’m lying? See for yourself. Red carpet and everythang.
It’s borderline depressing how all these shops had to close because of the ‘rona. Definitely gonna have to come back to this town though when this whole thing is over. I probably can’t afford what most of these places are selling but that won’t stop me from looking and pretending. They don’t know I’m not buying shit, who knows, I could be Pretty Woman-ing their store. I low-key hope I get to do that one day though. “Huge”.
It was a nice morning walk for us. Barely anyone on the street so I didn’t have to herd the boys too much. I can tell they are having fun just being free to walk around.
There goes Eric and that “power stance”. It’s starting to look more like a nosey old man stance. 
The boys donated two pennies to this fountain in return for a wish.
Still no coffee so further down we go. As we continued on, a promising sign appeared.
The sign led us down an alley to an open courtyard. My hopes were high but I was sorely disappointed. Closed. Thanks Corona. It was still a cute little area to just look around. We walked through the courtyard, back to the street, and continued our quest. Not long after, there it was, a shop that was open. It was the Carmel Bakery.
The window display was lined with all kinds of baked goods and every one of them looks delicious. I wanted to buy everything but I had to practice some self-control. I ended up getting this almond paste-horseshoe shaped-chocolate dipped-bread thing. I bought extra cause it was pretty good and I wanted to share some with Gina. Also got a biscotti and a chocolate chip cookie. Best of all, they had coffee!
I got my usual coffee order, a Mocha, and we left the store before I spend any more on pastries I shorn’t have. After walking a couple blocks down, my sweet-tooth senses were tingling. We came upon an adorable little place, a ye olde cottage moss-covered roof shop called Cottage of Sweets. But the boys had to feel the disappointment Corona caused me a few moments earlier, this place was closed. However, hope’s not lost, they open at 12.
It was starting to get later and the boys were starting to get hungrier. I promised Gavin that we’d fly our kite today so I thought we could find a beach have lunch there, fly our kite, and spend our day. Got a to-go meal from Crossroads BBQ and found a place to do the aforementioned things. I could write away about our time there but I’m just gonna let these pictures paint the words for me.
Look at Gavinin with the fancy pinky. 
Gaivn thought these rocks were more elephant seals at first. 
What backseat driving looks like in kite flying form. 
After an amazing time at the beach, it was time to go. I checked the time and it was definitely past 12. We had one more stop to go to before heading home.
The Cottage of Sweets was finally open and it made two boys especially happy.
That’s Eric covering his face with his shirt because we were supposed to have some facial coverings to be in the store. 
We got our sweets and it was time to go home. Although my days off were coming to an end, I’m extremely grateful that we were able to spend those days together, having an unforgettable experience and memories that I will cherish forever.
Anyways.
The Definition of Bliss 