After my Secret Garden discovery I’ve been intrigued with
the Passageways of Carmel. I’ve heard there are between 9-15 passageways within
the city. I’m sure I can get a map and find them all, but I prefer the thrill of
randomly finding them when I’m on my walkabout.
On my way back from the post office today, I noticed a small
sign (practically next door to The Secret Garden!) that said, “Thru way to San
Carlos” – let the adventure begin.
My objective for this walkabout was really the passageway, I
will visit the shops on another day. As far as passageways go, this one was a
little mysterious. As I entered the courtyard I wasn’t really sure how the
pathway continued; however, I did note there is a public restroom – always good
to tuck this type of information away! Towards the back of the courtyard I
noticed a stairway on my right so I walked up to see where it goes and it led
to some sort of business that was closed for the day. Back down the stairs I
rounded the corner and met Steve, working at the Carmel Frame Shop. Steve was a
wealth of information. Apparently this courtyard was previously owned by John
Madden and the area upstairs was his ‘hang out’. Now there is an artist of some
sort using the space as a studio.
I told Steve that I was checking out the passageway today
and he shared with me that he and his daughter use to wander the streets of
Carmel looking for all the alleys, passageways, and courtyards. Kindred
spirits! Steve also told me that he loves succulent gardens and he was
responsible for planting and maintaining the small brick planter box in the
courtyard.
After chatting with Steve I continued along the passageway.
The area from the Carmel Frame Shop to the Hogs Breath patio isn’t very
exciting. I actually felt like I was in an area where I wasn’t supposed to be –
but this is Carmel so it’s all about wandering around and discovering different
things.
