Walk The Bay

The beauty of the walks and the interesting insights into these beach communities, along with the history and enthusiasm and information about this part of the coast provided by Marie made for a perfect trip.
Marie suggested an alternate forest hike which was a fantastic addition, and she was flexible and accommodating and knowledgable. The trip was well organized and the walking directions were clear.
Marie was so easy to work with and I would recommend this trip whole heartedly!

Such a fantastic trip! Marie was on top of all the details especially in these ever changing times. Current route situation changed and Marie made sure we could safely get around a river crossing and road repairs. My daughter and I could see her genuine care to ensure a positive experience. She made sure I had gluten free lunches and even snacks. I assure you that you are in good hands! Thanks again Marie!!
Marilyn and Laura

Thank you for your great services during our slow adventure. We had a very nice beach walk. Your attention to all questions, directions, and getting us to our destinations, made for a very enjoyable vacation. It was so nice to meet and get to know you. We especially appreciated your flexibility, the tours of the agricultural areas, histories, and local points of interest. Hopefully we will return in the near future and hope to see you again. Thank you so much. Pat and Amy

We just completed the Walk the Bay hike and would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a way to recharge and rejuvenate after this crazy past year. Our local guide Marie gave us the perfect meet and greet, explained the hikes, the unexpected changes, and we appreciated her honesty and flexibility. It was comforting to have her check in with us daily about how we were doing, and we appreciated her telling us to not rush, to enjoy, and that is exactly what we did. We felt pampered when she would surprise us with fresh strawberries, or the warm chocolate chip cookies we hadn’t thought to order for dessert after lunch. She’s so knowledgeable and has a great sense of humor too. The inns were all unique, and it was fun to have a different experience every evening from the resort experience to the quaint bed and breakfast inn to the boutique inn, all with ocean views. We now have unending questions about seabirds, sea life, sand dunes, sea otters, hang gliding, and hope we can take another slow adventure before too much time passes. Thanks Macs Adventure and Slow Adventures for a memorable week from two grateful, not too sore and happy travelers.

From start to finish Marie was an excellent communicator and met all requests and exceeded our expectations! From the moment she picked us up at our rental car return in Santa Cruz to themorn8ng of the last day she was helpful and responsive.
The beach walks were secluded but breathtaking. The option to walk through Fort Ord on the last day but still finish the last 3 miles to Monterey on the beach was a perfect change of pace with some history thrown in.
Each hotel was excellent in quality of rooms and service, despite a few “post COVID” glitches (to be expected as everyone is trying to open safely). Each hotel was aware we celebrating our anniversary on this trip and treated us to “something extra” to celebrate.
Lastly Marie helped us with dinner reservations when needed but went the extra mile to find Domenico’s on Fisherman’s Wharf for our 28th anniversary celebration.
Julie and I couldn’t have asked for a better experience.

Words just cannot properly express the depth of gratitude I have for your expert services throughout my “Walk the Bay” experience. When we first connected, I had no idea how truly life-altering this experience would be and did not understand the importance of your role in it. Now that I’ve been suitably enlightened, I’m in awe of your skills and mastery. I so appreciate everything you did, from the words of wisdom and encouragement, to those lovey apples! Wishing you much continued success.

Slow Adventure is an excellent company in the experienced and skilled hands of Marie Henley. Marie is always very welcoming and supportive throughout a walk. Taking care of every administrative detail with a ready smile and quiet efficiency. Your enjoyment and pleasure is always uppermost in Marie’s daily schedule.

The accommodation arrangements are all wonderful, offering pampered luxury at the end of a long days walk on a portion of the magnificent Monterey Bay. The Trip Book provided by Slow Adventure offers maps and detailed directions, historical notes, information on local fauna and flora and helpful recommendations on restaurants and places to stop and rest.

When you make it to Monterey be sure to include a visit to the Monterey Aquarium. It is a wonderful facility with many exciting exhibits and displays!

Walking solo from Santa Cruz to Monterey was just what my soul needed. The only thing I had to really pay attention to was keeping the ocean to my right. (I have been on other solo journeys where I did get lost and that was scary!)
I had scorching heat and cold fog and each was special. I learned that for me, walking is a meditation that empties my mind and allows me to connect fully with nature and the wildlife surrounding me. Another day soon!

I did this walk with 2 friends five years ago and it remains a memorable experience. The directions proved to be exemplary; the lodging was wonderful. Most importantly, the walk along the ocean with the sea breezes and magnificant views proved to be the best stress-reducer I’ve had. I enjoyed the experience so much, I did the Bay to Bridge hike a couple of years later. Writing this review, brought back so many memories, I may just have to do the walk again, this time as a solo hiker.

“Best solo adventure I have been on so far – completely and competently organized, and oh-so-beautiful and inspiring a walk from St. Cruz to Monterey on the beaches.” 

We have had an amazing 4 days of walking and enjoyed the unique accommodations.  Now just deciding on where to have our last dinner in California before heading home. Your attention to every detail is impressive. We will spread the Slow Adventure name to all our friends in Calgary. This has been a first class trip.

You far exceeded any expectations we had and cannot thank you enough for such a GRAND adventure.  Every day was filled with absolute delights from the ocean breezes/wildlife to delicious meals (alas, I fear I did not lose an ounce!).

Okay, my most important comment is that I loved the whole trip!  The hotels were wonderful–having ocean/slough views every night was a fabulous treat.  Breakfast was just right; lunch choices were great; suggestions for dinner were also terrific.  We didn’t have a mediocre meal anywhere.  The directions were clear (except for that one error on our part) and the careful planning was evident at every turn.  I loved that I didn’t have to do anything but send my check…no worrying about ANYTHING.  For someone like me, who is on overload, it was such a perfect way to relax.