Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa
Posted by: cleanairgetaways on: December 2, 2007
Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa is the best of European charm and architecture, sitting peacefully on the Monterey Bay.
Deep blue waters guided by frothy-white tips curl forward, like small waves that lap at the Plaza’s sturdy feet and with it–a welcome treasure of calm feeling and sound.
Sea lions and seagulls faintly heard in the distance are like a welcomed surround sound, beaconing visitors to devour its land, mountain, and water views with eyes, ears, and smell, creating that sensation unique to each of us that translates into inner calm. This calm ocean-fed feeling contributes to making this hotel and the Monterey Peninsula special.
It’s no surprise then that the Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa is in the heart of Cannery Row, and a short walk to the world-renowned Monterey Bay Aquarium, where I fell in love with playful, human-like, indigenous to this area, sea otters. 
The jellyfish floated as if in outer space. I felt as if I’d entered a new world, which I had just by staring. 
As I mentioned in my last post, walking in Monterey is a colorful feast for the senses, most especially for the eyes.
Yet somehow through osmosis you pick up the energetic life pulsating around you: The Monterey Bay, nearby Pacific Ocean, sea otters, sea gulls, pelicans, mountains, trees, and the element that drew me originally here–clean air.
Monterey and the peninsula are rated one of the cleanest locations in the country, not just California, where the peninsula is considered one of a few clean air places left in the State.
Every October, Monarch Butterflies return to spend winters in the next town over called Pacific Grove, also known as “Butterfly Town, USA”. The climate is perfect for their needs. I caught hundreds asleep in clusters on this Eucalyptus tree branch, the sun’s warmth hadn’t yet woken them.
If you stay at the Monterey Plaza, and you aren’t up for a walk, they have a slick black Mercedes to usher you to your destination at no cost, gratuity appreciated. Kind driver at wheel.
I saw a lot of tourists, taking their photo by the hotel’s dolphin water fountain. No wall flower… Cheese!
I realize not everyone thinks they have a champagne budget to stay at the only luxury resort on Monterey Bay but think again, for they offer specials within reach for many.
Until March 31, 2008 they have a $199 special per couple, which includes a deluxe Ocean Balcony room (that’s where I stayed), breakfast for two at their award-winning restaurant, The Duck Club Grill, which overlooks the water, and seagulls fly by “hello”. You also get complimentary use of the hotel’s spa facility. They have exercise equipment and a sauna and steam room. Holidays may have black-out dates.
When I returned to my room, the bed had been turned down, and pink lilacs placed on the pillows. Classical music softly played from the radio.
I woke to soft lapping water, and the hotel facade glowed from the rising sun about to warm my day.
As I embarked for Santa Cruz, a 45 minute drive north on beautiful Highway 1, I wore lilacs in my hair.
March 2008 Update: Since I wrote this post, several California Counties are slated to be sprayed with pesticides on certain dates. The pesticide, from what I understand, can stay in the air for 30 days afterwards. Please click here to read up and plan your stays in California accordingly, especially if you’re a sensitive individual.
Monterey Peninsula for Clean Air Unless They Spray Pesticides Again
Posted by: cleanairgetaways on: November 30, 2007
I love Monterey!
It’s true I loved my visit, (besides a migraine that developed soon after arrival) which happened to be right after spray dates, which I did not know about, and I did have other negative health reactions. I’m still angry about this. Can you imagine, California government hurting its own people for a moth that hasn’t damaged one crop.
Below was my take when I’d first arrived in Monterey in November 2007. If future spray dates are canceled, I highly recommend Monterey and Santa Cruz, otherwise, check spray dates, and go at your own risk. If you’re sensitive at all, I wouldn’t go if they plan to spray within 90 days of your stay. As of this writing, the spray stays in the air up to 30 days, and they’re talking about making it last longer.
The Monterey Peninsula is #1 for clean air in California but did you know it’s one of the cleanest counties in the United States?
Despite a few environmental problems, mostly from an army base, it’s overall an environmental winner.
I could breathe very easily here. Air goes down smoothly.
Approaching Monterey’s Fisherman’s Wharf, I passed the beautiful Monterey Peninsula Community College tucked under trees, lucky students.
I once spent three months applying for college teaching positions. As a result, I interviewed at UC Santa Barbara but you need to be rich in order to teach there.
I enjoyed unexpectedly seeing this college, and my urge to teach rose again. I guest lectured several times in the Feature Story writing class at Cal State Fullerton, and loved it. 
Will the welcome you to Monterey committee come to order?
Geese.
This was my Welcome to Monterey image, which put a big smile on my face, especially after that long drive up the 101.
Next I was greeted by a view of Monterey Bay, and beyond Seaside, a nearby community. 
I couldn’t wait to check into my hotel, grab my camera to get the best light of the soon to be setting sun, and soak in Monterey.
The Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa at 400 Cannery Row is in the heart of colorful Monterey and offers a European look and soul. It’s the only luxury resort on Monterey Bay and its elegant European architecture reminded me of Italy.
Charming.
The Monterey Plaza & Spa is in walking distance to the world renowned Monterey Bay Aquarium, old sardine canning factories, which are now updated to accommodate
jewelry, clothing, tourist shops, Starbucks, and fine and casual restaurants.
And it’s where I enjoyed a wonderful 24 hour reprieve from normal life.
I drove up to The Monterey Plaza’s wide entrance, and, no kidding, around seven wholesome-looking young men greeted me, Colgate white smiles.
Doors opened.
My trunk popped.
“How may I assist you?” echoed into the driveway chamber.
I turned my head, unsure who to turn to first.
Him, him, or okay, him.
My car–poof!–vanished, my bags rolled into the European elegant well-lit entrance, and I followed, cameras and tripod in tow.
I’ve become a serious amateur photographer.
My room overlooked the Monterey Bay, and despite the fact it was inviting to hang out–a big comfy bed, bathtub, and relaxing view with the faint sounds of seal lions reminding me I’m far from Los Angeles–I had to get outside for the last of the sunlight.
Picture time!
I headed out from the multi-tiered European hotel with wow! panoramic views, and stopped for a photo in front of their dolphin fountain. 
A woman from Bulgaria told me she’s a great photographer. For half pictures.
Let’s try again! 
Tomorrow I’ll share more of Monterey, including the Aquarium and Monarch Butterfly sanctuary in nearby Pacific Grove. 
Santa Cruz Thanksgiving
Posted by: cleanairgetaways on: November 28, 2007
I’m back from the Monterey Peninsula and Santa Cruz, areas known for clean air.
Look at that Santa Cruz skyline!
According to the American Lung Association’s 2007 State of the Air Report, this area receives an A for ozone pollution and an A for particulate matter pollution, meaning virtually little to no air pollution.
One of the few clean air areas left in California. Though here, clean air rarely comes cheap. Beyond pristine Nature lay million dollar and up homes.
The area has gorgeous big green leaf trees, a pristine skyline as you see in above lighthouse photo, a 
famous boardwalk with rollercoaster, popular surfer spots, and UC Santa Cruz, which sits atop a hill overlooking the Pacific. UCSC has a dynamite theatre program. My mom, uncle, and her friend Barkley went to see The Princess and The Pea at UCSC, which I highly recommend for its costumes, humor, acting, singing, and that make-you-feel-good feeling.
Santa Cruz is ultra-liberal and generous with homeless, which means, homeless wander around an eclectic downtown. Santa Cruz retains a 1960s hippie, purple pink hair, body piercings and art, new music, and open-mindedness vibe that mixes with natural beauty.
Breathing air felt great.
Next I went to Pebble Beach where my friend Tom stayed at his soft-spoken mom’s house, beautifully located on the famous 17-mile drive, and they invited me to stay in their guest room for a night. 
They live on a road which winds through a Cypress grove, grand mansions, hotels, and along a wind-swept ocean front.
Tom took me sightseeing in Pebble Beach and Carmel. Here I am near The Lone Cypress, a famous landmark. And here’s dogs “kissing” enroute to Carmel’s white-sand beach. 
Massive waves greeted us yesterday on the 17-mile drive, which gave me a natural energy high like I don’t recall getting in any other way.
Crashing waves against gravel, rock, and sand, beads of salt-water bouncing in the air, birds flying and diving, and singing their song.
Energy.
Energetic waves lifted me higher and higher. I was planning to leave the area but the ocean made me feel so good I decided to go to Point Lobos State Reserve, a living museum where land and surf converge.
I took a trail leading to an old whaling station, walking on a bluff above crashing waves, rocks, and water, an evergreen blue shade, with divers emerging in black wet suits.
At one point, no other people were on trail. Lions and tigers and bears, spiders, oh my! Where was I walking alone inches away from a cliff I wondered? I prefer to walk with a friend but alas… Oh good, I made a few friends on the way.
Here’s a nice mom taking a walk with her son. He’s only 24 and already has a Master’s in Public Health and may soon get a PhD and help disadvantaged overseas. His mom is proud, and enjoys his company.I drove back to Monterey, stopping for lunch near the Cannery, and hit the road at 2:00 p.m., making it back to Los Angeles at 7:30 p.m.
I thought I’d hit a lot of Sunday Thanksgiving traffic, but fortunately there was none.
The Malibu fire was contained, and unlike last month, there weren’t several fires burning out of control.
California is beautiful. Rolling brown hills, wind swept trees, horses, cows, farms, quaint towns along the ocean.
I enjoyed being alone with my thoughts, which now includes a love for the Monterey Peninsula.
I will return.
Tomorrow, I’ll share photos and my wonderful experiences in Monterey.
Chrysalis Inn and Spa in Bellingham, Washington
Posted by: cleanairgetaways on: November 27, 2007
Excerpt from my blog Chasing Clean Air. All copy and photos copyright 2006-2007.
This of one my favorite clean air destinations, and the most environmentally friendly hotel I’ve yet to stay in. What a pleasure! All hotels can learn from The Chrysalis Inn and Spa in Bellingham, Washington about how to keep a hotel clean and green, and healthy especially for people with allergies.
So much beauty! Romance! Seductive views!
Relaxing at The Crysalis Inn and Spa made my stay in Bellingham so special.
I want to tell you all about it.
There’s much to do in and about Bellingham–boating, whale watching, and scenic drives including Mt. Baker, the famous Chuckanut Pkwy, and it’s only sixty minutes to Vancouver, Canada.
How about taking off on a San Juan Island adventure? The marina is steps away from this hotel. So are several award-winning restaurants.
The Inn offered everything I could possibly desire away from home. And more.
This day bed in guest rooms overlooks Bellingham Bay. The view is one of many treats offered at this Inn.
Hot stone massage, anyone? The spa is world-renowned and there’s frequently a waiting list for treatments. Book early.
I think I’ll have a drink from a local region, overlooking the San Juan Islands like these young women.
While I loved my relaxing stay alone, I can’t wait to return for a romantic get-away.
I’ve never been to a more romantic hotel to enjoy and explore. No wonder a lot of weddings take place here.
I met newlyweds upon my arrival. And the wedding party stayed here.
Voted one of the top twenty Inns in America by Travel and Leisure Magazine, it’s value continues to escalate.
Bellingham is one of the cleanest small cities in America, according to the American Lung Association.
If you’re in need of breathing clean air, I recommend this Inn. I give it a 10.
Of all the hotels I’ve ever stayed, this hotel is the most environmentally conscious.
To begin, I entered my suite, overlooking the San Juan Islands, and stepped onto hardwood floors. (Carpets can trap dust or worse off-gas toxics depending upon what it’s made of) The bathroom floor was made of stone. There’s a big sunken tub, with jets, I’m looking forward to using at the end of the day. Did I mention it too has a view of the water, boats, and islands?
On the down pillow of the king size bed–the most comfortable bed I’ve EVER slept in–there was a sign SAVE OUR PLANET suggesting hotels around the world use millions of gallons of water and tons of detergent. It said: Please leave this card on your pillow in the morning if you’d like your sheets changed, if not… And in the bathroom was a similar message regarding towels. 
The waste paper basket called WASTE NOT BASKET has two sides: one, is marked RECYCLABLES, and the other side is marked, WASTE.
The room was luxurious in every way. My favorite part was the most luscious linens I’ve ever slept on, complimented with down pillows and comforter. I was very cozy, sleeping with the pitter patter of raindrops during the night. And, oops, forgot to mention, before bed, I turned on the gas fireplace to warm the room.
Doreen, head of marketing, told me about Sheila, head of housekeeping, who insists EVERYTHING be recycled. She goes the extra mile to make sure everyone complies, including management.
I can say a lot more about this 100% smoke free facility, and I will later…. Enjoy these photos for now.
Here I am this morning, posing in front of their beautiful wooden spiral staircase. It’s situated near their spa, which offers massage, facials, body treatments and more.
This is where I write today. The Chrysalis provides everything a writer needs, including high speed cable connection for computer/internet.
Because this Inn and Spa defines environmentally-friendly, they should win business environmental awards.
In my opinion, this Inn is the top of the TOPS.
This area is the most northern Washington city and defines culture, beauty, warmth (in the summer), waterfront views, and much more.
Bellingham, Washington
Posted by: cleanairgetaways on: November 27, 2007
This is an excerpt from Chasing Clean Air, written in August 2006.
My lungs feel a lot better up here. I’m in Bellingham, and my lungs have felt better throughout Washington, except Seattle.
Air goes down smoothly.
No coughing.
And no worry about air quality like I regularly worried when in L.A. I still miss things about L.A. but I don’t miss the bad air or traffic that limited my mobility and put me and most everyone in a bad mood.
I’m laughing when I recall a recent yoga class in L.A.
Young female yoga instructor, “Breathe out smoggy air and all its toxins from your lungs.”
Class breathes out smoggy air.
Young female yoga instructor,
“Now breathe in.”
A Fork in Bellingham’s Road
Posted by: cleanairgetaways on: November 2, 2007
This is an excerpt from my blog Chasing Clean Air
Ahhh!
There’s a fork in the road, and it looks like this. Storm clouds in the distance. How close? When will they break above my head? Come crashing out of the sky….
I’m “supposed” to drive toward Mt. Baker today and stay at lovely Bed and Breakfast that was recommended. And when I went to the B & B’s web site earlier this morning, it said, I might see animals.
Bears.
I might.
Well, what if I do?
My suitcase is like lugging 50 cartons of gold. Why gold? Maybe I want some. I’ve got that many tee-shirts, sundresses, and a few sweaters to tide me over for the STORM.
I can see it now: I’m lugging my overstuffed, evergreen suitcase (hey, it matches the trees!) when I see the bear. He looks at me and I look at him. And damn I try to run, lugging the damn suitcase with my favorite warm weather clothes… and…
I’m at this fork in the road, as I’m about to check out of the lovely Chrysalis Inn in Bellingham, and they’ve kindly extended my check-out until 1 p.m. They do everything kindly here. The receptionist thanked me for asking her for an extension of an hour for my stay.
So I walk along the pier behind the hotel to think about my possibilities.
Drive to Seattle, fly to L.A for a short break before my next Chasing Clean Air destination.
Drive to Seattle, fly to San Francisco (and see my mom, dad, uncle)
Drive to Seattle, fly to San Francisco, arrange for mom and I to do Northern California like Sonoma together.
Drive to Mt. Baker and see rain, sleet, bears OR beautiful trees and a pretty mountain.
As I walk the pier, I feel my thighs. 
Like ice against my jeans. Remember it’s warm here.
And my fingers. Like icicles.
Warm.
Alternatively, I pass tourists in down jackets, and natives in shorts, jogging as if it’s 75 degrees out. Not even close. And then I see him. A smiling man in shorts, enjoying the view. He sits on a bench, overlooking Bellingham Bay, and we talk. He says I’m the friendliest person he’s met in three days. According to Danny O’Brien, people are very friendly in Oregon. He also loves Santa Fe, and Boulder. And beer. 
It’s 11 a.m. I learn he’s a hitch-hiker from Texas, and when he tells me he slept last night on the hill, I believe I’ve met my first “homeless” man in Bellingham. He smiles, “I’d love to go with you to Mt. Baker.”
Ha. Ha.
Got to run!
Speaking of running. I get diverted from my fork in the road, as I check out people– practically naked, running on the pier. And people think we’re crazy in California?
These are crazy people wearing shorts; I’m wondering where to buy long johns.
I really must sign off to take a quick shower and decide to drive toward Mt. Baker — take my chances — or drive toward Seattle — take my chances.
What do you think I’ll choose?
Here’s a parting shot of the marina area that I thought my nephews would most appreciate because there are big boats, small boats, and a train. In other words, boy heaven.
Road to Mt. Baker
So I’m running from the bear, as a storm cloud EXPLODES!
My heart races.
I push buttons on my cell phone.
No dial tone.
Running on gravel, windy road, no cars, no people.
Six miles.
I pass Douglas fir trees.
Bushes, blending into a relay course.
Over bridges and streams.
In the wild.
The bear approaches, an eagle swoops down, and…
I’m kidding to create the effect of fear to share how scared to death I was driving alone on windy roads with a mean BLACK cloud lowering in the sky.
It wants to eat me! It’s coming to get me! No one’s around. No one will know. Except the bear.
It begins to rain.
I drove east from Bellingham (inland) toward Mt. Baker, part of the Cascade Mountins, on Route 542 because Doreen and Bonnie,and every other person I met in Bellingham, told me Mt. Baker was a “can’t be missed” drive. So it might rain, no big deal.
So I’m driving alone in the rain, in an area I’ll learn is the wildest terrain in Washington State. The highway narrows from two-lanes to one, under an angry sky.
No big deal.
The menacing black cloud follows normally swimsuit, sun dress-clad, Southern California me, and it’s getting bigger and meaner and uglier, and it takes over the sky.
My nerves and imagination take off, as the cloud lowers in the sky more. My index finger can reach up and touch…
There are no cars on the road.
Just me. And my cell phone. Ah, yes, relief.
I call Fernando.
No dial tone.
I drive further; only 5 markers left (measuring a mile) until I’m at the Bed and Breakfast called The Inn at Mt. Baker. It’s romantic, I’m told. I don’t care if it’s a garbage dump. I can’t wait to get there. Time can’t speed up fast enough. My car can. I drive faster along windy roads.
No cars.
No people.
No big deal.
I call Fernando.
No dial tone.
I see the 29 marker for the B & B, and turn left onto a gravel road.
Rocks–sharp silver rocks line the narrow road.
Up a hill.
Shrubs on both sides.
My tires sound sick. Gravely. In need of care. I see a blown-out tire in my imagination (its happened five times before) only this time, I have no phone service. In red letters NO SERVICE. Unmistakable.
I’m not sure I’m even on the right road to the romantic–who gives a crap–B & B.
The mean black cloud lowers, overtakes the road. As I’m about to reach out to touch my nemesis, instead I reach for the phone. I hit speed dial.
Still…
No dial tone.
My heart races.
My hands shake as I back the car into branches juttting out from bushes in the tiny narrow road. I’m praying I don’t go the side of an invisible hill on the other side of the bushes. I pray a bear doesn’t pop his head out, (I just watched the documentary about the guy in Alaska who got eatten by a grizzly bear) or God-knows-what-else. Once again, my SUV’s positioned to turn right up the hill, or left, down.
I’m at a fork in the road, stuck between bravery and wimpdom.
Which road will I take?
I reflect: There are no people. There is no phone service. I could get a flat tire. There are bears.
And, I didn’t mean to share this with you reader, but it’s important: It was my time of the month. Yes, my period. Most certainly, a deadly scent.
I look over my shoulder.
A breeze rustles the bushes leaves.
Bears were one of the B & B brochure’s selling points. It read something like I might see wild animals, bears.
So I did what any sane Southern California gal would do.
No big deal.
I SUVed outta there, and two and a half hours after I left Bellingham, I arrived to Bellingham, and embarked on one of the most scenic roads in Washington State and, luckily,under blue skies. It was once part of the scenic Pacific Coast Highway, starting in San Diego and going up to Vancouver.
The Chuckanut Drive
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