We’re in the “heat of the summer”, but here on the Monterey Peninsula luckily we’re not melting or sweltering like some people are not that far from here. So if you need to get cool, c’mon down to Carmel or Pacific Grove and feel the cool ocean breezes and comfortable temperatures. AND see lots of amazing cars like this fabulous red Ferrari that was exhibited last year in the ‘Prancing Ponies” event.
Prancing Ponies!
Last year among the many car events Prancing Ponies Car Show was complete with Breakfast at Tiffany’s, a fashion show and an array of Ferrari’s and other beautiful cars owned by Women – all to benefit the Prancing Ponies non-profit to raise money to support the education of low income women. Put August 17th on your calendar to attend this year. You can purchase a VIP ticket to support the charity or come for free and enjoy the cars and fashion show. Go to www.prancingpoinies.orgto register.
Think Beach Boys in Surfin’ USA on the shores of Santa Cruz. An otter with dreams of being a surf champion surprised and shocked Santa Cruz beach goers when he swam right up to a group of surfers, picked out a board and went for a ride.
Can you imagine if you were out surfing and a Surfin’ Sea Otter climbed aboard your surfboard and left you “in the dust” or perhaps a better term would be leaving you “in the surf” – and without your board!
Surfer Girl is known as “841”, a 5-year old female, who has been taking bites out of surf boards recently with the surfer still on it. A bit intimidating for a surfer to say the least. We love our sea otters, but they have very big, sharp teeth to crunch on the sea urchins and abalone they love so much – so take care out there.
Surfer Girl 841 was born in captivity. Her mother had been removed from the wild because of her aggressive behavior toward people as a result of being fed by the public. An absolute No, No. When it turned out the otter was pregnant, 841 was born. She was raised at the Monterey Bay Aquarium and then tagged and released after being deemed ready to go back to the wild. Whoops!
There is a team of trained experts trying to catch Surfer Girl, and then she will be returned to the Monterey Bay Aquarium who will find a home for her. Unfortunately, once that happens, her surfing days will be over. However, so far she has alluded capture. One sharp cookie she is!
Susan Clark having just received her 500 hours of volunteering pin as a Monterey Bay Aquarium Guide
As a guide at the Monterey Bay Aquarium, I get some inside scoop about their sea otter program. I’m sure many of you have seen our sea otters at the Aquarium who have names and personally interact with humans. These sea otters are considered non-releasable, so they are allowed human contact. When sea otters are rescued, the hope is always to return them to the wild and the care givers wear “hazmat suits of sort” (think like an astronaut outfit) so the otter won’t identify with a human. They also are given numbers and not names, to further keep them at arms length.
The story isn’t over . . . can’t wait for the next installment on this saga.
If you’ve been living on the Monterey Peninsula or even visiting the Monterey Peninsula and the Carmel area for some time, you’ve undoubtably heard about the Flanders Mansion. This is a historic home located in Hatton Fields in Carmel that is owned by the City of Carmel. The problem has been that the City can’t decide what to do with it. There have been ideas and attempts to find a way to restore this incredible home back to its former glory, but so far nothing has worked.
Enter Mike Buffo who has submitted a proposal to the City to become its curator and has great plans to guide the renovation and create an educational and artistic center to benefit our community. Mike, a videographer/producer and owner of House of 8 Media, has a well thought out plan that I would like to share with you.
In the short video below, my interview with Mike will explain the plan and also give you inside glimpses of this wonderful treasure, the Flanders Mansion. Enjoy!
To show your support of Mike Buffo’s plan to conduct a feasibility study at no cost to the City and to become the curator of Flanders Mansion, sign the petition here.
Susan Clark, realtor at Carmel Realty Company, 831-320-6801
Call me for all of your real estate needs. I’d love to talk with you about your goals, dreams, and desires.
WELCOME TO CARMEL VALLEY! Have you ever walked along the coast in spring or summer and wondered why it was so cold and gloomy and gray? I love spending time on our coastline, but sometimes the “June gloom” gets a little much. Why not break tradition and move to Carmel Valley where you can have all the sunshine you want!
And I have just the home for you to consider.
Open House Sat/Sun May 27-28 1:00-4:00pm
36 Encina Drive, Carmel Valley 4BR/3BA 3,346 sq.ft. Lot size: 5.35 acres $3,095,000 Breath-taking views of the Santa Lucia mountains from this striking residence located in the sought after Miramonte neighborhood. Plus guest quarters on the lower level with a separate entrance
36 Encina Drive, Carmel Valley
I asked my clients what they loved about this property, and this is what they said . . .
Living in the Monterey Bay community allows us to “pick our weather”. For many years our parents lived in Pebble Beach. They would escape to Carmel Valley to see the sunshine. We chose to turn it around! We love the warm sun of Carmel Valley!
We love the views from 36 Encina. Mornings in front of the fireplace allow us to sip our coffee as we watch the sun rise and the fingers of fog recede towards the coast. In the evenings we love to sit on the upper deck by the fire pit, sipping Pinot Noir and watching the fog roll back in!
Elevated rear deck with a smashing view!
36 Encina makes a great place for “WFH” (work from home). The downstairs office provides complete privacy, with a killer view!
Our neighbors on Encina are wonderful. We look out for each other and get together regularly to build community.
The property provides wonderful privacy while not feeling too far removed. With more than 5 acres we have plenty of room to ourselves, but we have easy access to Laureles Grade which is really convenient.
Situated on 5.35 acres, there is a lot of privacy.
We both love to cook, and the chef’s kitchen gives us plenty of room to work together all while looking out over the valley and the mountains of Big Sur!
Recently remodeled “chef’s kitchen” with stainless steel appliances and a large island.
Our family loves the outdoors and hiking. Most weekends we are off to Garland Park or Point Lobos. there is a wonderful meadow in Garland that provides a great view of our house. We have actually, using binoculars of course, had family members hike to the meadow and wave back at us standing on the front deck!
Extensive front porch runs along the front of the home.
We sometimes refer to the house as a “tree house”. We love the dramatic oaks, especially at night with the gentle lights we have installed. The property is filled with beautiful old growth trees. How we wish they could tell us the stories of all they have seen!
Twinkling lights illuminate the rear yard.
We also love all of the wildlife we regularly see, especially the birds. Humming birds, hawks, wild turkeys . . . you name them, we see them!
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If you like living in sunshine and having a more rural atmosphere with privacy and land around you, I hope you’ll consider this spectacular property. It truly is “a gem” ! A very special residence for anyone who chooses to live here.
Living room with a view with access to the front deck and back patio.
Call Susan for a Special Showing or come to the Open House!
