Monkey Rock / Zephyr Cove

 Tammy noticed the sign for Monkey Rock when we did the bike path to Hidden Beach the other day. We parked in the same place at Tunnel Creek Cafe. The path starts up a road behind the cafe and some houses with million-dollar views.

It was more of a climb than I, for one, had expected, but the views from the top were spectacular.

The white rock to Tammy's right is Monkey Rock. The story is that a local enhanced a formation that was already there.

Just the rock formations (and the view) were worth the walk.

It was time for lunch. We had planned to go to Cave Rock, but the parking lot was full. The state parks here are "free", but then they want $15 for parking. A little further down the road we found Zephyr Cove Resort where parking was only $12. That seemed like a lot for a picnic spot, but there was also a great beach.

The weather has been fabulous as you have probably figured out from pictures. Temps are in the 70s. Hot in the sun (especially exercising), chilly in the shade. The sort of temps where you want to put your feet in the water, but not go swimming.

Can you see the sandbar stretching from the beach to the cluster of rocks in the picture above? A shallow stretch gives access to a tiny island where someone had hung a hammock and kayakers explored. I got my hiking shorts wet trying to get the right angle for this picture. Notice how clear the water is.

I found the fluttering reflections on the surface of the water disorienting and nearly lost my balance more than once.

Tonight we are going out to dinner. Tomorrow we head to the airport, and John and Tammy start the long drive home, stopping in Iowa to pick up their dog at their daughter's. We have enjoyed exploring the area together, and we are still friends after sharing an apartment for almost a week!

View from our restaurant: