Thank you for the suggestions - a friend sent me this link

http://travel.nationalgeographic.com/travel/road-trips/california-pacific-coast-road-trip/

which is pretty useful. I am going to leave EARLY (like 5 am) to get there by sunrise and will first hit Pfeiffer Beach, then to Bixby Bridge, Point Sur Lighthouse, stop in Carmel by the sea and then to the Santa Cruz wharf. I am not sure I will make to it to them all but it should be awesome!

The weather is going to be awesome this Friday and I am taking the day off for a photo shoot. I have been to Point Lobos and to Monterey several times and am looking for a new hidden gem. I am thinking about going along highway 1 north of highway 17. If you know of a great place to stop let me know!

Here are a few from a recent trip to Monterey & Santa Cruz. I am working on getting shots of birds but they are really tough for me....

Pelican Santa Cruz


Seagull love


Pelican - Monterey

I am really trying to stick with one lens and have not come across a 16 - say 135 or 200. Did I miss it? Also since I will only be using it for travel I would like to keep it under $500. Reading the reviews is driving me crazy but I have a few months to sort it out and pick one. I am thinking of renting a few lenses or going down to the local camera store as someone else suggested.

Thanks again for all your input!

Your photos are lovely! I have read that the 18-200 is not as nice as the 18-250. Do you find the lens heavy? I have a K-5 and the stabilization is in the camera but my hubby is concerned it will be too heavy to take nice pics - though as I said yours are terrific!

We are not sure where we are going exactly in Italy but most of the time I will be taking pictures of architecture, people, flowers, etc. You name it I shoot it - so I am looking for one lens that will produce nice pictures. I would like to get the Pentax 18-250 but it is discontinued and was wondering what others experiences have been with the Tamron lens. My latest thinking is I might go with the Pentax 21977 DA 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 ED AL (IF) DC WR Lens. My only concern would be that I would frustrated on the amount I can zoom in. If I can find a used Pentax 18-250 I will probably buy it.
Thank you for your responses so far :)

I have a K-5 and LOVE it! Most of my shots are taken with an 18-55 or my newest baby the 60-250. I like the fact that the older lenses we had for our previous Pentax cameras work and that the image stabilization is in the camera. I am new to photography but use it from taking close ups of my flowers to getting pics of my hubby racing. I no longer get pictures of asphalt when the car goes by. If we had not had a Pentax prior to my purchase I was looking at a Nikon D7000.

I am taking a 3 week vacation this year and really would like to only take one lens. I have a Pentax k-5 and am wondering if anyone has any good suggestions for a lens that will cover most situations? I am leaning towards the Tamron 28 -300 or the 18-200.

If you ever get that spectacular shot that you just want to show off try having your picture dye infused onto aluminum by Magna Chrome. I just had two prints done in 24 x 60 and they came out wonderful! The prints come out just like those sold by photographers such as Peter Lik and the best part it is your picture! (no, I do not work for them I am just thrilled with my new art)

Excellent shots - these guys are tricky!

Very cool - it is going to be a nice day tomorrow I just may have to venture out there.....

LOL - well he was hiding amongst the rocks and let us get so close how could I pass him by.....

Excellent! Thanks for sharing these.

The weather could not have been better - clear and warm! The water was the most amazing blue that day.

Coastal view


The rock


Woman on cell phone disturbing the peace....


Basking seals


Lone pelican

Los Gatos is 50 miles or so south of San Francisco, next to San Jose.