My dad’s house is situated high atop a ridge. It is a ridge that separates Monterey from Carmel. Following this ridge to the sea takes one onto the Monterey peninsula. The road that runs along our section of the ridge is relatively flat. At least compared with the road that leads up to it. Both roads are just old horse trails that have been graded, paved and repurposed. We can see Monterey from the house, but when we walk the road, the view is of Carmel Valley. For exercise, we have been walking this road almost every day. We see many birds and flowers along it that we do not see in Saint Louis. With its Mediterranean climate plants from around the world grow well here. Being close to the coast, with its flyway there is a wide variety of different species to pick from. Walking daily, we have managed to tap into a community of sorts. Mainly dog walkers, the people that we see along the road seem very friendly. Besides the exercise, the break that these walks give us is a blessing.