Captain's Inn at Moss Landing

National Bird Count

2012-01-02T21:29:00.000-08:00

Every Christmas season, the National Audubon Society sponsors a count of bird species and bird numbers nationwide. Birding folks count a multitude of areas, with a different area each day and over 10 days. Our Moss Landing Quad is counted every New Year's Day. Your innkeeper Melanie has been participating for over 30 years. Many annual counters come and stay overnight at the Captain's Inn prior to count day. Our Captain Yohn donates his boat to the count and winds all along the slough. Once the sun is down, everyone gathers at the "countdown" dinner and shares the results and the rarities. The Moss Landing area is often in the top 10 to top 3 in the nation! This year there were at least 199 different species recorded. This is a photo of bird counters and Captain's Inn guests on the slough on New Year's day.

Looking Back

2011-12-29T22:02:00.000-08:00

It is the end of another fine year of innkeeping. We sure have enjoyed all our guests both the people and the wildlife. We have had guests from all over the world walk through the doors this year. We have had visits from wildlife from sea otters to feather friends, such as these sparrows in the parking lot. There have been weddings, anniversaries and family reunions. Many happy times and good memories. Thank you and Happy New Year everyone.

Sundown

2011-11-06T16:57:00.000-08:00

This fall has had its share of sunset wonders. These are just a few photos at dusk at Captain's Inn. These shots were captured one weekend by B. Frazier and R. Swink. We really have some lovely Fall weather, crisp nights and clear blue skys. Clear enough to snap the evening moon.

Giant Pumpkins

2011-10-01T20:00:00.000-07:00

The fall has settled in at the seashore. Here at the Inn we celebrate by decorating with extra large pumpkins, unusual squash, and bizarre gourds. While these big pumpkins are not too heavy, they are really clumsy, so we use a large beach towel to move them about. All are in place for guests to enjoy. We give all Fall guests a discount coupon for the nearby, family farm complete with haunted barn and acres of corn maze. Our pumpkin decor will be here until the end of November.

Worthwhile Guests

2011-09-25T16:15:00.000-07:00

We have all sorts of heroes come to stay at the Captain's Inn at Moss Landing. There are nurses, firemen, doctors, policemen, prison, guards, emergency techs, school teachers, military and many others. These are the unsung type who are always helping out others without stardom. For example, this weekend Robin returned to stay at the Inn once again. We see him every year on a quest to raise funds to help others. You probably do not know of him. But every year, he does a marathon over many days from San Francisco South to Los Alamos as fundraiser to support recovery from addiction. Last year he ran it, this year he is biking the route. We encourage you to give his program a look and support. We salute all the heroes, they are our stars!

Painting and Art at the Inn

2011-08-18T16:35:00.000-07:00

Moss Landing is such a quaint fishing village, that it is often the topic for artwork. The community has several artists in resident including painters and sculpters. At the Inn we have hosted quite a few painting and art groups. Recently we had the Jade Fon group come to stay. These painters created with oils, watercolors, and acrylics. This is one of the paintings from visiting Moss Landing Harbor by Geri Keary. You can learn more about this group of painters at their own blog: http://www. jadefonpainters.blogspot.com.

Fresh Salmon

2011-08-05T19:41:00.000-07:00

We have been having a decent salmon sportfishing season this year. They have been catching salmon right off the coast in good numbers. There is nothing like fresh ocean caught salmon. Innkeeper Melanie's cookbook features several fresh fish recipes such as whole BBQ Salmon and Salmon Curry spread. From the Captain's Inn you can walk to the Kahuna Party Boat, or set up with the private Westwind Charters also in the Moss Landing Harbor. The season is open until September. This is a photo of the Captain with a King Salmon.

50th Anniversary

2011-07-12T16:12:00.000-07:00

This fine Z family celebrated the 50th wedding anniversary at the Captain's Inn at Moss Landing. The anniversary couple and their children enjoyed fine fresh seafood at Moss Landing eateries, walking our beaches, and geocaching about town. We wished them many more happy years.

Cake Lady

2011-05-19T14:07:00.000-07:00

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The Captain's Inn has a cake decorating lady who provides us cakes for all sorts of events. She does birthdays, anniversaries, reunions, and weddings. At the last event we got comments from guests about "not only pretty but yummy and moist too". She makes whimsical theme cakes too like seashells, ballerina's, sailboats in the harbor, sea otter cake, and all holidays. Here are some sample photos of her recent wedding cakes.

Surf's Up

2011-04-10T15:42:00.000-07:00

Moss Landing is a well known surfing spot to surfers. We get nice waves as a result of our location near the submarine canyon. The Captain's Inn has international visitors that come just to enjoy the waves. This Spring has had good surf activity. Here are a few awesome shots of the acrobatics watched at our beaches that were taken by our guest C. Etchebarren.

Horseback Honeymoon

2011-03-16T18:35:00.000-07:00

This cute pair took a horseeback ride as part of their honeymoon adventure at Captain's inn.The equestrian center meets them at nearby local beach that allows rides. They enjoyed pretty vistas from the sand dunes and waves along the beach. The professional wrangler and wonderful horses made for many romantic memories.

Snap It in Winter

2011-02-20T18:29:00.000-08:00

Our guests are always coming to our neighborhood to go searching with their cameras in hand. The series of photos below were taken by a guest with her small snap and shoot digital Olympus. She captures our winter sandy beach, wonderful birds - a great blue heron and great egret, the mother sea otter with her pup who cruise right by the guest room windows, and even the marsh view from her bedroom window. Thanks to R. Mann for sharing these!

Vow Renewals

2011-02-13T22:04:00.000-08:00

As Valentine's Day is upon us, it seems fitting to share a love story. This was the celebration of Robert and Terry's 15th Wedding Anniversary. They chose to renew their vows with our Captain officiating on our back deck overlooking the running tide. It was affirming to love everywhere to have this husband and wife all bleary eyed and full of caring for each other after many years of marriage. We know they will be there for each other for many years to come.

Fruits & Veggies

2011-01-20T16:29:00.000-08:00

One of the wonderful things about our California neighborhood is the variety of fresh fruit and vegetables available year round. We love using fresh ingredients for our breakfasts. Here it is the the middle of winter and there is quite a bounty at our local Moss Landing fruit stand. The fruit stand is only a few blocks walk from the Captain's Inn and always has unusual items. We brought home: banana, dragon fruit, guyabas, cilantro, papaya, and black apricots (real yum). There are some local area strawberries and artichokes too. The dragon fruit was originally from Vietnam, the photo of the dragon fruit cut in half, and dragon fruit feels like kiwi with a much milder taste. Dragon fruit tasting slices ended up at the B&B breakfast.

Tides In and Out

2010-12-04T12:32:00.000-08:00

Guests at the Captain's In often relax by just sitting on the decks or in their waterfront rooms, and watch the tide change. Low Tide to High Tide can be quite different. Besides the mud being exposed and salt marsh plants covered until they disappear, the wildlife changes too. We get more sea otters at high tide and more shorebirds at low tide.

Outdoors in Fall

2010-11-28T12:53:00.000-08:00

The weather this month is so wonderful. Crisp cool nights and clear sparkly days. The wildlife watching is focused on the birds with plenty from the Inn itself and from the nearby Elkhorn Slough environs. The migration of birds is well underway. The weather has been so fine we have been having picnics in the backyard. Here is an egret off our back deck and a red shoulder hawk silouette on our rooftop.

Corvettes

2010-11-09T21:02:00.000-08:00

This group of pretty cars and real nice folks stopped by the bed and breakfast. They had cars of many different models and dates. One of the couples had been our guests during the US Open. With advance reservations, groups can come to the inn for a historic house tour followed by a brunch in our dining room.

Fall at the Inn

2010-10-18T20:59:00.000-07:00

Your innkeeper was arranging our harvest season decor of huge pumpkins, pretty pumpkins, quirky gourds twisted squashes, and apricot colored roses. Around the corner popped her seven year old son, "You're pretty mom, can I take you picture?". He has a little ditigal camera and snapped me at work (this is his photo). We get these lovely pumpkins and gourds from a local family farm, Borchard's. Our guests visit this farm all season and enjoy the harvest plus a haunted barn and corn maze.

Tandem Bicycle Honeymoon

2010-10-09T21:05:00.000-07:00

Newlyweds Pete and Kati stopped in for a few nites stay with us. When they registered they noted their vehicle was a bluegreen schwinn tandem bicycle! They were taking a tandem ride down the coast of California until they reach San Diego. Their love and affection brightened the entire bed and breakfast. While here they explored the beaches and went whale watching. One morning they were spotted doing tandem yoga moves in our backyard:

impressive and elegant to watch. We wish them a wonderful future and a wonderful peddle together. You can follow their honeymoon trek on their own blog at 'http://www.livesintandem.blogspot.com'.

BBC Stops By

2010-10-06T20:01:00.000-07:00

This week we found Toby, from BBC television, and his video camera studio in one of our guest rooms. The BBC was in Moss Landing to interview scientists who have made recent discoveries of new animal species. The MBARI scientists had discovered all sorts of strange deep sea creatures. You can see the animals and listen to the scientists on BBC's new nature series "Decade of Discovery", watch for it . How Toby got all that gear in there and still had room to sleep ........ don't know.

Ladies at the Captain's Inn

2010-09-24T15:19:00.001-07:00

A group of sisters and their daughters came to stay with us at the Captain's Inn last weekend. Besides chatting and giggling, they made themselves at home in Moss Landing. They explored our beaches, shopped the art galleries and antiques, and enjoyed the Elkhorn Slough Safari wildlife tour.
They also visitied many of our fine eateries and gave me this report:
At Mark's Moss Landing Cafe try the coconut prawns, steak and green fried tomatoes.
At Whole Enchilada have the chile rellenos and the MARGARITAS!
At Phil's Fish Market order the clam chowder and the linguini with clams.
At the Haute Enchilada do not miss the tres leche cake.
Their friendship and cheer will be welcomed back to the Inn anytime.

Science at the Inn

2010-09-17T13:54:00.000-07:00

You never know who you are having breakfast with at the Captain's Inn at Moss Landing. You may be dining with a shark ichthyologist, salt marsh ecologist, or a submarine engineer. The bed and breakfast is located between two world reknown marine science field stations and their visitors often stay with us. There is MBARI dedicated to deep sea engineering, and Moss Landing Marine Labs part of the California State University system focused on marine science research and education. The folks from Sea Imagine (seaimagine.com) were in town last week with their brand new single person submarine. They were here to launch the sub with the expert crew at Moss Landing Marine Labs. One of the unique features of the sub is that it can be transported on a trailer. They parked it out front of the inn and guests looked it over.

Gentlemen Bikers on Harleys

2010-09-12T13:32:00.000-07:00

Our convenient location near to Highway One, makes a stop in Moss Landing perfect for people who are traveling North and South on Highway One. As a result, we have had couples on getaway, tour groups, car clubs, and many others come to stay on their way from one place to the other. These gentlemen just dropped in on the their drive from Nevada, through Yosemite, across the valley and to the coast. Their good looking bikes graced the front the inn until they headed South on to their next destination: the Big Sur coastline.

Elkhorn Slough Safari

2010-08-27T16:47:00.000-07:00

One of the most popular day trips is visiting the Elkhorn Slough. Many of our guests take the Elkhorn Slough Safari. The stable pontoon boat and its naturalist guide take you on an exploration of the calm backwaters of the second largest wetland in California. You will see sea otters, harbor seals, sea lions, and thousands of birds. This is one of the best ways to see the highest number of sea otters. At the bed and breakfast many of the professional and amatuer photographers charter the safari to go out for a very special wildlife photo session. Guests come back to the inn full of stories of wonderful wildlife watching. For example an otter cracking open a clam to eat, pelicans diving to get sardines, or the baby seal nursing.

Small and Elegant Wedding

2010-08-16T17:51:00.000-07:00

This fine couple was recently married here by our Captain Yohn. They chose to have a small, intimate wedding to confirm their commitment to each other. They were able to have an elegant event followed by a dinner in a small, private banquet room in the Lemongrass restaurant just a few blocks from the Captain's Inn. They made many memories without draining their pocket book. Following the wedding, these avid geocachers placed a wedding cache here in Moss Landing to commerate their nuptials. If you find the cache, you will get to sign their wedding guest registry held inside. We wish them both a very happy and fufilling life together.

BLUES

2010-08-06T18:48:00.000-07:00

The whale watching has really been wonderful this summer. If you like whales, you should get to the coast before the summer is out. They have been seeing blue whales and humpbacks plus other dolphins and porpoises too, killer whales even. We can help you get discounts on your adventure.
Quote from one of our guests', Brian, on our local trip: "We saw lots of humpbacks including a "family" of a big male, an adult female and a youngster. They did antics for us for close to 1/2 hour. Lots more humpbacks and we finally headed to a different location and saw 4 or 5 big blue whales although nothing really close, like the humpbacks. The young humpback crossed right in front of the bow a couple of times and right past the stern about 25 feet away at least once. The bay was calm. There was some light breeze with about 3-4 ft swells for awhile and then it calmed even more toward mid-day. I did not catch the names of the crew but they were really nice. The skipper is a retired Navy Master Chief "

This photo is of blue whales and was taken by a another guest G. Murphy, just this morning,

Electric Car

2010-07-27T17:13:00.000-07:00

Look who came to stay at the Captain's Inn! This cute little car is 100% electric and you plug it into the outlet. This is a prototype model that this company is promoting for approval in the U.S. It can get about 100 miles on a charged. Check them out www.thinkev.com

Upkeep

2010-07-16T17:48:00.001-07:00

It seems there is always something to maintain when you own a bed and breakfast inn. This month we painted entry doors, pulled weeds, washed walkways, repaired sprinklers and wrapped the big palm tree with new lights. These lights are the number one way new guests can find us at night and the innkeeper is just partial to pretty holiday lights, year round.

Green Journey

2010-06-27T15:26:00.000-07:00

The Captain's In is always looking to keep "green". Here are some things that we have been up to recently. We just replaced all of our linens, - we like to be sure you get a nice experience with our quality linens,- but these still tend to wear with all the use they receive at a B&B. Rather than throw them out, our older linen (sheets, blankets, towels, pillows) were crated up by our staff in a Haitian relief cargo box headed for the earthquake ravaged counrty for reuse. In another example, here is our staff mowing our native grass lawn with our new electric lawn mower.

Guest Sunsets

2010-06-14T21:55:00.000-07:00

Our past guests recently sent us these sunset photographs. While taken a week apart, both were captured from their bedroom at the Captain's Inn. Moss Landing is a calm spot to enjoy the end of the day. Thanks for sharing your photos!

Slow Adventures

2010-05-29T21:19:00.000-07:00

There is a new activitiy to do on Monterey Bay. You can sign up with Slow Adventures and hike around the bay. Slow adventures gives you map, route, and itineraries, sets up your lunch, carries your luggage from place to place, and sets up the plan. You get to walk through the less travelled places and see vistas and wildlife you can not access by car. One of their overnights is right here at the Captain's Inn. These ladies are just a few of the Slow Adventure hikers who navigated the bay by foot.

Red Hat Cheer

2010-05-17T18:30:00.000-07:00

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A very cheerful group came and stayed at the Captain's Inn this May. The red hat ladies were lively, happy and lighthearted. They enjoyed the Elkhorn Slough Safari, walks on our beaches, and great meals at Phil's Fish Market. Their smiles are welcome back, anytime.

Breakfast

2010-05-15T10:05:00.000-07:00

This fine family is visiting us from Las Vegas, Nevada. They are pictured here at breakfast in the Captain's Inn dining room. For breakfast today they had apple pastry, mango fruit plate and sweet potato pancakes with bananas and cream plus chicken apple sausages. Part of their plans for the weekend are to enjoy the festivities at the Castroville Artichoke Festival only a few miles from here.

Sand Dune Wildflowers

2010-05-09T10:56:00.000-07:00

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This is just a wonderful, colorful year for wildflowers on our sand dunes. Only a two block walk from the Inn and you can wander the rolling dunes and enjoy the variety of colors and shapes. The photos here are of silky beach pea, sand verbena, and beach primrose.

Love in the Air

2010-04-17T15:18:00.000-07:00

Bed and breakfast inns have a reputation for romantic getaways, and the Captain's Inn at Moss Landing is no exception. While staying at our Inn, this handsome man asked this pretty lady to marry him. She said YES. Both had faces all aglow with happiness and constant smiles. They are pictured here outside our dining room showing off the lovely ring he gave to her. We wish them all the best the world has to offer and many wonderful years together.

Songs and Sunset

2010-04-08T17:55:00.000-07:00

Our Inn is blessed with many visits from musicians. Many an evening is spent on quiet, calm nights with serenades and sunset, on our back deck. This pair of songbird guests shared wonderful folk tunes with all. A great way to ease into the evening. We really enjoy these benefits of innkeeping.

Beach Ride

2010-03-06T11:47:00.000-08:00

The Captain's Inn is only minutes from beach where you can go horseback riding. Gallop on The Beach brings well trained, good natured mounts that are familar with the ocean. You can take a calm and romantic ride with your sweetheart. Pictured here, Pam and Chuck have stayed at the Captain's Inn several times and found their afternoon ride fun and invigorating.

Jumping Guest

2010-03-03T14:45:00.000-08:00

Look who we spotted just taking a leisurely hop down our garden pathway. We have had enough rain that the amphibians are moving about freely in our creeks. We are wondering if he is from our fresh water pond across the street. Appears to be an american bullfrog.

Guest Perspective

2010-02-20T14:50:00.000-08:00

One of our guests sent us this collection of photos from their stay at the Captain's Inn at Moss Landing. Just some of the sights and scenes they enjoyed while in our area. Thanks to Gary S. for these.

Racoon on the Marsh

2010-01-20T16:59:00.000-08:00

There are all sorts of wildlife outside our deck and waterfront view rooms. Guests commonly watch sea otters, harbor seals, herons, egrets, and so many other birds. And on occasssion we get other wildlife too like deer, oppossum, and bunnies, bunnies, bunnies. This last weekend our guests were given a show by this mischievious raccoon. We sometimes see these fellas grabbing small crabs from the marsh and eating them. They also use the slough to wash other food. One of the guests, P. Miholland, captured this raccoon right through our bedroom picture windows! We appreciate him letting us share his photo here with you.

Crab for New Years

2010-01-03T12:35:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year to Everyone! It is winter time and this is a great time to get fresh dungeness crab. The crab season is going strong. There are several ways to enjoy this yummy crab. You can come and eat some at one of Moss Landing's acclaimed great seafood restaurants; cracked crab, ciopinno stew, crab enchilada, crab cocktail, thai crab anyone? You can buy fresh prepared crab at the seafood market and have a picnic on the Inn's deck, beach, while watching sunset, or at a local park. Last, you can bring a cooler and buy live crab right from the fisherman on dock A to take home for a feast of your own. We keep ice and blue coldees to keep your seafood purchase cold when you travel home.

Tis the Season for Reflection

2009-12-20T09:30:00.000-08:00

As we look back over the years, we are humbled and thankful for all of our guests who have stayed at the Captain's Inn at Moss Landing. We are so lucky to have many guests who keep returning to the inn. Making and building longtime friendships is one of our pleasures of being innkeepers. The two folks pictured here have been to the inn 5 times, usually in time to see the inn decorated for the holidays, and they come all the way from Minnestota! Your support is appreciated. We wish you all happy holidays and a wonderful winter season. We hope to see you again, real soon.

Sunrise and Moonset

2009-11-30T20:15:00.000-08:00

The sunrise from one one of our boathouse view rooms can be pretty special. This photo is of the moon setting over the sand dunes during the morning sunrise. Catching the moon setting in the morning takes abit of coordination and timing, and is best enjoyed right from your cozy bed. As the sun comes up the light changes and plays over the tide lands, making every five minutes a different landscape.

Stunning Sunsets

2009-10-29T12:41:00.000-07:00

This serene scene over the water was taken from one of our waterfront rooms two days ago. It had been a magical day of clear fall weather just stufed with wildlife to watch, and it was toppped off by this sunset after glow. Guests were in their rooms, on the back deck and at the beach just trying absorb all this beauty while sipping tea or a favorite wine. Wish you were here.

Photographers

2009-10-09T21:42:00.000-07:00

This Fall has seen quite a few photographers visiting our area. Pros and Amateurs alike come to the Elkhorn Slough and Moss Landing to capture the perfect shot: the perfect row of terns, the perfect sea otter puppy, the perfect sunning seal, the perfect vista, the perfect whale tail, the perfect sunset. We get to have all sorts of digital fun in the parlor and dining room as the photographers review their shots. Photos from our area appear in National Wildlife Federation, National Geographic, and many others. Fall is a great time to grab your camera and capture the outdoors. This photo is of terns on the Elkhorn Slough.

Certificate Earned

2009-09-20T14:31:00.000-07:00

The Captain's Inn at Moss Landing has been volunteering to pick up trash along a 2 mile stretch of Coast highway one for over 6 years now. We are now going beyond our original committment to the Adopt a Highway program . We are proud to be taking an active part in keeping California clean and to assist our Caltrans employees. The Captain's Inn recently received this certificate from The Department of Transportation as a "heartfelt token of gratitude for your service". Besides being able to make a significant difference in the environment, this program is estimated to save millions of taxpayer dollars. We plan to continue to care for our highway section.

Romance Report

2009-09-12T16:00:00.000-07:00

This proud mom just stopped by the Inn to say hello. She wanted us to know that this cute little guy was most likely the result of her romantic honeymoon here at the Captain's Inn. No, he is not named Captain.They hope to come again for a parents' getaway, when grandma can babysit the little guy.

NewlyWeds!

2009-08-21T11:45:00.000-07:00

This sweet pair floated into the Captain's Inn to celebrate their nuptials. Directly from their reception, we were lucky enough to see them in all their elegant attire. Many couples come from quite close by to have their first wedded night and weekend, like these two from Salinas. We wish them the very best life has to offer.

Whale Watching

2009-08-15T15:28:00.000-07:00

Sanctuary Cruises is back!! Late Summer and Fall are great times to see whales and marine mammals. Recent sightings include blue whales, humpback whales, and Rissos dolphins and occassional killer whales. This guided adventure is well liked by our past guests. In fact, these photos were taken by Captain's Inn and Sanctuary Cruises' joint guest P. Jordan. A quote from the Jordans, "This is our favorite place on the west coast... a wonderful vacation. I hope these whale photographs from the trip will do." Ask us for our whale watching stay package and save. The photos are of whales on Monterey Bay.

Historical Preservation

2009-07-15T15:42:00.000-07:00

As keepers of a piece of Moss Landing history - the Pacific Coast Steamship Company building 1906/07, we are constantly maintaining and preserving the building. Over the last month we have been painting and caulking the exterior of the old building. Our staff has done a great job and there is bright new paint to greet you when you arrive at the Captain's Inn.

Recycle, ReUse, Reduce

2009-06-27T20:54:00.000-07:00

At the Captain's Inn we keep refining our green choices and actions. We have just signed into a new program with Monterey County Environmental Health Department. We are partnered with the county under a grant from the US Department of the Interior to reduce trash and increase recycling at lodging facilities. We will be getting new containers, staff have undergone recycling training (bilingual program too), and we finished a pre-assessment. Our new goal with this program is to reduce trash by another 30%. We are hoping guests pitch in to help us meet our goals.
Our staff is always working to meet better recycling. Here is an example: Guests do not like "shorties", shorties are our nickname for rolls of toilet paper that are not empty but partial used. So we take them out of rooms expecting new guest, and finish using the shorties in the staff bathroom. Once empty, we save up the rolls for use by the local preschool in arts and crafts.

Rare and Unusual Birds

2009-06-13T15:08:00.000-07:00

Birding is always a fun and successful undertaking in Moss Landing, Elkhorn Slough, and at the Captain's Inn. We have a bird checklist for the bed and breakfast with over 190 species!! This last week has been no exception with two strange sightings. The first is a rare bird, generally occurring on the East coast. This Rose-breasted Grosbeak decided to drink from our water trough just long enough for the innkeeper to snap its photo and prove it was here. There is a new stranger sighted by guests outside the boathouse windows - a Swan!! This is most likely an escaped domestic swan, it is a mute swan. There is always wildlife to watch here.

First Anniversary

2009-06-07T15:39:00.000-07:00

The month of June is full or honeymooners and anniversary celebrants. Being at a bed and breakfast for the upbeat times in a couple's life is uplifting for us at the Inn. The nice things that spouses do for each other really gives you faith for the future. This sweet pair had their honeymoon at the Captain's Inn exactly a year ago. They returned to celebrate their first anniversary, but in a waterfront room this year.

Artichoke

2009-05-17T15:03:00.000-07:00

The Captain's Inn is located in the heart of artichoke country, we have fields within blocks of the inn, and only 2 miles from the "Artichoke Capitol of the World", Castroville, CA. The innkeeper is very proud of this artichoke, grown in the Inn's backyard garden. Guests can pick up a free artichoke dining guide at the Inn. The artichoke guide takes you to local restaurants for delights like french fried artichokes, artichoke soup, fire roasted artichokes, artichoke pizza, stuffed artichokes, and many more recipes. Also, favorite places to get fresh chokes to take home with you.

World's Longest Running Event in Moss Landing

2009-05-12T17:00:00.000-07:00

On it's way around the globe through seventy countries and seven continents, the World Harmony Run came to Moss Landing today! It is the longest running event in history with millions of runners carrying the torch for harmony over 25,000 miles. The non-profit run calls attention to wishes for harmony, peace and tolerance throughout the world. To support the run, the Captain's Inn provided the women's team with rooms for the night. The torch was carried right past the front of Captain's Inn and, was even carried by the innkeeper and dog Tara( for short ways). When taking the torch, you get to make a wish; innkeeper wished for a better world for todays' children. The group of international women runners were a joy to host. If you want more information, wish to run with the torch, or to give them support try worldharmonyrun.org.

Harbor Seals of History

2009-05-01T17:35:00.000-07:00

The Captain's Inn has quite a historical past; shipping company office, farm family residence, church, student housing, and now a bed and breakfast. A story we had heard several times is that a harbor seal used to live here in the buidling. The story always included that the seal used the staricase to reach the family tub upstairs. Well, we finally have proof that the Captain's Inn was home to a local harbor seal who did indeed enjoy the tub! The York family, who founded the Harbor Chapel in Moss Landing and used our building for a church, recently shared this 1959 photograph from their personal scrapbook. "Scottie" is the mom and pastor's wife. The Harbor Chapel is now just a short distance from here. The harbor seal tub was where our chart room is now. (Sorry, there are no real seals for today's guest tubs).

Green Days by Bike

2009-04-01T17:01:00.000-07:00

Many of our guests enjoy a leisure ride on our mountain bikes for rent. This is a green way to explore our village and the surrounding area. This biking couple (celebrating her birthday) visited restaurants, artichoke farms, the beach, saw sea otters, checked out the harbor, purchased fresh strawberries, and tried deep fried artichoke hearts (famous in this region).You can come to stay then walk or bike; avoiding all the traffic, congestion and stress that comes with getting in your car.

Here Comes Spring

2009-03-18T13:36:00.000-07:00

Spring is in the air, our native plants are starting to bust out in blooms. This "blue blossom" is from a local genetic variety, also known as Ceonothus, that grows in coastal chapparal. These shrubs are not only beautiful but hardy and drought resistent. Using local flowers attracts local beauties like these painted lady butterflies. Our yard must have had hundreds of them.

Sweethearts

2009-02-15T13:54:00.000-08:00

February is the month for lovers and romantics to have getaways with their Valentine. These newlyweds came to stay and attend a formal event. They looked so stunning that I had to take a photo of them in front of our fireplace. On Sunday afternoon, the same couple gave us and our guests a performance of their music. Wonderful love tunes, ballads and instrumental guitar. We can not wait to have events where we invite them to come to play. You can have them at your event or wedding, check them out at www.jeffstrawmetz.com.

Valentines

2009-02-02T17:37:00.000-08:00

We have a new bike at the Captain's Inn. This red bike is built for two! To introduce the new bike we are offering all guests who stay during the Valentine's month of February a FREE hour on the bicycle built for two. You'll look sweet upon the seat of a bicycle built for two.

The Food Network

2009-01-29T11:28:00.001-08:00

The Food Network was in Moss Landing taping their number one show - Throwdown with Bobby Flay! They were here to challenge Moss Landing's Phil, of Phil's Fish Market because of his fame and expertise with Ciopinno, a most wonderful seafood stew. Your innkeeper Melanie met the Iron Chef and was included in the segment as an extra. Congradulations to Phil!

Mystery Novel based in Moss Landing

2009-01-11T10:33:00.000-08:00

Well known mystery writer, Betty Webb, has started her new mystery series and based it on our town of Moss Landing! Betty stayed at the Captain's Inn while she worked on her book and had inspiration from Moss Landing. In her book "Anteater of Death", the heroine Teddy lives aboard a boat in the south harbor of her "Gunn" Landing a fictional town based on our Moss Landing. Many local sights can be found in the story including "Fred's Fish Market", which is actually our Phil's, artichokes, and the harbor master. The author has added a local zoo. Author Betty returned to visit us at the Captain's Inn this weekend. She chatted over wine with guests about her book and signed autographs. You can get your own copy of the book at Amazon.com. This the first in a series, keep your eyes open for the next mystery.

Sea Otter Baby

2009-01-07T17:24:00.001-08:00

A new puppy was born at the Elkhorn Slough January 2, 2009!!! This sea otter pup was watched by many of our guests all throughout the weekend. The little one was tiny and mostly a fuzzy ball. It would yelp the minute its mom moved off to find food. Our guests were all trying to out-tell and better-photograph the otter babe. Over breakfast the baby otter was the main topic and many shared their digital photos. Our area is so rich with wildlife but you need to keep heading into it for such wonderful opportunities. Most of the best photographs came from those who watched from the Elkhorn Slough Safari boat.

Tis the Season

2008-12-11T08:38:00.000-08:00

During the holiday season we get many families who come to stay with us. Sharing in family reunions and gatherings can be fun for us. Often the family has relatives who live close by. We invite the locals to join us for a breakfast with their guests who are staying at the Inn. The family pictured here came to stay over Thanksgiving, sampled all our local eateries, and played games each evening in our dining room.

Brides

2008-11-29T19:40:00.000-08:00

We spent the day assisting a bridal party prepare for their wedding day. The Inn refrigerator was full of bouquets and corsages and champagne. The bride, bridemaids and her family took photos both outside and inside before leaving for the ceremony. With everybody all smiles, it was a joyous morning and afternoon. Following the ceremony, the newly married couple honeymoons at the Captain's Inn.

The Silver Moon

2008-11-21T15:58:00.000-08:00

By the light of the Silvery Moon. We have always highlighted that the inn can be a great place for sunset. However, we have not focused on the moon as much as we should have. The Fall Harvest Moonrise and moonset can be very wonderful. A full moon reflecting over the water as it sets creates an awe all of its own, be it in the evening or as you watch from bed just before dawn. Perfect for winter romance.

Fall Migration

2008-11-05T11:50:00.000-08:00

The fall migration of birds is well underway with thousands of birds of many varieties using our wetlands. One of my favorites are the "peeps". These are the small tiny birds that madly feed on small worms and crusteans of our shore. They always seem to be in large groups and move in unison. Most are least sandpipers and western sandpipers but many others are mixed in. This season is a favorite time to take trips on Elkhorn Slough Safari boat tours, for the birds and for the seals, sea lions, and sea otters.

Captain Pumpkin

2008-10-28T10:56:00.000-07:00

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We celebrated the fall season with a pumpkin carving contest for our employees. All jack-o-lanterns had to look like our Captain Yohn. We gave prizes for the "Most Like" the captain, and for the "Funniest" captain. Mostly we giggled alot. Quoted by a guest who viewed them -- "Well,... they all have a likeness to the Captain himself."

Fall Decorations

2008-10-14T14:29:00.000-07:00

Pumpkins, pumpkins, pumpkins. The pumpkins and gourds really add lovely color to our Inn for the Fall. We go to the local GIANT pumpkin farm to get them. The farm is family run, and we will give all October guests coupons and directions for the farm. Our family dog, Tara, is also pictured. Many of our past guests have been asking after her, as she had a surgery tangle with cancerous tumors about this time last year. We are happy to report that with the addition of thyroid tabs, she is just fine and her tumors still have not returned!

Our Crew

2008-09-26T15:51:00.000-07:00

After a busy summer, we took our crew out for a thank you for your service luncheon where we announced our "star" employee for 2008, our innkeeper Jessica. They all sure worked hard all year to make our guests have a welcoming and enjoyable time in clean, working rooms.We just love to hear guests tell us good things about staff. They and we strive for quality, we appreciate all they do!

Fall on the Marshlands

2008-09-20T17:33:00.000-07:00

Our Fall colors are upon us in Moss Landing. Our Fall colors are no ordinary occurrence like changing leaves, oh no. Instead, our vast Pickleweed marsh goes from deep green to apple red and then yellow and brown. The succulent tidal Pickleweed is quite full of salt by the end of the summer. The salt goes to excess and the chlorophyll can not take it, the chlorophyll is the green and with its loss only red pigments remain. Later in the Fall, the entire succulent flesh will fall off to rid the plant of the extra salt altogether. Rain will bring quick new green growth. All this can be viewed from our waterfront rooms. Fall is also the start of the bird migrations, guests this weekend sighted over 30 species without leaving our yard. The mild sunny days of Fall are some of our favorites.

True Love

2008-09-08T11:37:00.000-07:00

One of the joys of our work here, we get to share in the "good times" in peoples lives like anniversaries, vacations to the beach, engagements and the like. Just that happened this weekend. A couple came to stay and they told us a story about our bed and breakfast. They told us they had just gotten married and that this stay was their spontaneous honeymoon! We congradulated them. Then they continued their story, unknown to us, he had proposed to her during their first stay with us. This explained their bubbly, romantic chit chat over breakfast. We hope to see them for their first anniversary.

International Visitors

2008-08-07T20:14:00.000-07:00

We have always had international visitors, but their numbers are much higher this year. They keep telling us what a great deal our U.S. dollar exchange is! Just this last week, I was cooking breakfast and discovered Italy, UK, Canada, Scotland, South Africa, Brazil, Japan, and Finland having breakfast in our dining room. I was quite surprized to learn I was the only American. We had a good laugh about seating the U.N. here at the B&B, and then exchanged world wide points of view on important topics like chocolate. The couple pictured here came from England and spent several days exploring our area. We had a week of sunsets, which I often alert guests to -- but this week I have had to translate and wave hands abit for our guests from afar to come out and see the pretty sky.

2008-07-05T11:11:00.000-07:00

As we are located close to the coast highway, highway one, we often get travellers who arrive by bike. These two couples had come from the Santa Cruz area and were headed down to Monterey and Pebble Beach next. They spent the night with us in between the legs of their journey. There are quite a few designated bike trails in our area. Those that drive to the inn have the option of renting our bikes for a day pedal.

Clear Day

2008-07-03T10:36:00.000-07:00

We have clear skies and a pretty day here in Moss Landing. There has been a alot of media "HYPE" about our situation in relation to fires. As you can see from this series of photos taken just minutes ago, we have clear air, we can see all the way to Santa Cruz, we have fresh soft breeze coming in from the ocean, and the sun has only clear rings around it. The guests pictured here (Jason & Victoria) are from Maryland have been enjoying hiking and whale watching for the last three days. Guests on Elkhorn Slough Safari saw sea otters, seals, sea lions and 40 different kinds of birds this morning. We certainly hope you come to visit and enjoy the coast.

Documentary

2008-06-28T21:42:00.000-07:00

Our Inn's parlor became a filming studio for a few hours today. We have a film team from Germany Spiegel TV staying at the Inn all week. They are here preparing a documentary on the sinking of the airship USS Macon off the nearby coast of California. They needed to use the parlor for some interviews with local experts (from the local marine institute) who discovered and worked on the sea wreck. Yesterday they went to sea on the research vessel to learn how the wreck was located. Learn more by watching the program when it airs.

Honeymooners

2008-06-07T20:40:00.000-07:00

It's June, and weddings are in the air. Honeymooners are always fun guests and we treat them with roses, fresh beverages,chocolates and spa soap sets. This couple came right from the wedding reception and were just bubbling with happiness and joy. it is one of my job benefits to be able to share in people's "happy times". Their good feelings and love lift up the entire household.
-- Captain's Wife
http://www.captainsinn.com

Sea Lion Party

2008-06-01T14:57:00.000-07:00

We have the largest number of Calif. Sea Lions ever residing at Moss Landing in many, many years. It seems these mammals gather together before their summer move to the south, and this year they picked Moss Landing. Only a ten minute walk to the sea lion pull out, our guests have been entertained watching the sea lion behavior. The well over 1,000 animals include hundreds of cute young of the year who have their own spot on the South jetty.
-- Captain's Wife
http://www.captainsinn.com

Unbelievable Sunset in Moss Landing

2008-05-16T19:04:00.000-07:00

This one is one where words can not surfice. This was our sky Wednesday night. It surrounded us with color. Seemed to go on forever. Guests were sitting on the decks, no one left for dinner. What a May treat!
http://www.captainsinn.com
-- Captain's Wife

Green Choices

2008-04-12T20:16:00.000-07:00

We just returned from an industry tradeshow and our staff is very excited. At the Captain's Inn we are always trying to make good choices for the environment, like recycling and no phosphates and being well insulated and composting. At the trade show, our lead housekeeper discovered a series of cleaning agents made from botanicals. We have tried similar products but were very dissappointed with the cleanliness. The excitement came in when these new products actually get things as clean as more usual products!! These cost a bit more, but we will be stocking the green works from now on.
-- Captain's Wife
http://www.captainsinn.com

Humming Birds

2008-03-29T16:42:00.000-07:00

One of the ways that we know it is spring here is our hummingbirds put on their aerial breeding display shows and start to nest. We captured this photo of Anna's Hummingbird chicks in their nest, right in the backyard. Other springtime treats, the yard is blooming with flowers and color! The beach has beach pea flowers and migrating birds abound.
-- Captain's Wife
http://www.captainsinn.com

February Romantics

2008-02-29T10:30:00.000-08:00

Well the month of February with Valentine's Day brings out all the romantics to the Inn. We had anniversarys and couple getaways all around the Valentine holiday. One of the sweetest was a couple who got engaged right at the Captain's Inn. While this was not our first engagement, it was the first time the Captain himself was involved. At the "groom to be's" direction, he delivered the ring to their room on a platter while dressed in his finest regalia. She said yes!!!
-- Captain's Wife
http://www.captainsinn.com

The Scot by Bike

2008-02-10T17:34:00.000-08:00

Our innkeeper opened the door in February to discover a clean cut young man on a bicycle. People on bikes are not unusual for us as many pedal the coast highway one. It was a drizzly day and his bike had a flat tire. With an accent he stated he was looking for an inexpensive place to stay and had pleasant but "please help me" face. We were not exactly in his shoestring budget. His plan before college was to pedal and camp the West coast of California.

The Inn grounds were in winter turmoil and in desperate need of care. We also had a few days with a vacant room. I asked if he knew how to work hard and if he minded weed pulling. He answered with a really big smile and assured me he could do the job. So we put the young Scotsman to task in our yard. He weeded, howed, pulled and cleaned for several days - he did a very fine job. All inn staff and other inn guests, got a bit attached to this nice fellow with a great smile. Many of our guests invited him to stop at their homes on his way (perhaps they had weeds too?). On a sunny day, he left the Captain's Inn rested, dry, fed, and with a repaired bike tire. We wished him well and hope to see him again someday. You may find him during his coastal travels.

Welcome

2008-02-10T17:21:00.000-08:00

Hello
This is our very first posting to our own blog. We are pretty excited about this blogging communication tool for reaching those who want know about us and those who want to share with us. Our plans are to check in here at least once a week as best we can, (maybe more sometimes) - and to post fun stories from activities at our bed and breakfast inn. We hope you find this useful and enjoyable. -- Captain Yohn & Melanie