CALIFORNIA DREAMING AT CARMEL VALLEY RANCH

Eastwood says, "The country is beautiful, peaceful it's the prettiest coastline in the world. And it's convenient - a 45-minute jet ride from Los Angeles, a two- hour drive from San Francisco. We lived in the bay area when I was a

And he is just as enthusiastic about Carmel's other attractions. "What impressed me most, I guess, is the physical beauty. There's a lot of beauty in a place like Carmel Valley Ranch, because golf courses are generally attractive. Then after that, what really shows is the general service, the atmosphere, how friendly the personnel are."

Eastwood has reason to rave about Carmel Valley Ranch's golf course. The Peter Dye designed 18-hole championship course, has been placed on the list of Monterey's must-plays by Golf magazine. The front nine holes meander along the Carmel River, and the heavily forested back nine offer stunning panoramas of the valley and mountains - shared only with the deer, fox and wild turkey that make the course their home.

It's no wonder that Eastwood enjoys playing golf at Carmel Valley Ranch. Behind the welcoming gates of the vast, 1700-acre estate of Carmel Valley Ranch, lies a world of refreshing natural beauty. Majestic oaks, green with vegetation fairways and brilliant flowers are set against the rugged hills of the Monterey Peninsula, just six miles east of the beaches and galleries of Carmel-by-the-Sea. And because Carmel Valley Ranch is on the sunny side of the peninsula, even the weather smiles at the guests that come from around the world to bask in the secluded luxury of this tranquil California countryside.

Located in the original turn-of-the-century ranch house are a fitness center and tennis clubhouse overlooking the 10 hard courts, two clay courts and a northern California grass court, all surrounded by flowers. Other recreational pleasures include horseback riding through scenic Santa Lucia Mountains, hiking, bicycling, fishing and kayaking or simply relaxing by one of the swimming pools or spas scattered around the resort.

My guest suite was one of the 144 spacious accommodations clustered against the hillside offering lavish comfort. The fireplace was ablaze with soft fire aglow and I snuggled in my comfy terry cloth robe, content to remain immobile for the time being. Would you believe outside my door I exchanged eye contact with a doe as she lounged on the grass surveying the land? Then three wild turkeys crossed the road while I sat mesmerized by the deer that looked more like a lawn ornament than a real life Bambi.

Carmel Valley Ranch is the perfect place to quench your thirst with some delicious California wine from their well-stocked wine cellar while enjoying a sumptuous meal prepared by their talented chef. Their wine list has been honored annually by Wine Spectator's "Award for Excellence." The chef creates innovative regional cuisine using fresh local ingredients-fish caught daily off the California coast and herbs from the resort's own garden.

Fricassee of wild mushrooms in a pastry shell with an herb cream sauce was my favorite appetizer; while maple cured Moscovy duck breast with parsnips, pearl onions and dried cranberries were my choice for the best entrée. Warm chocolate bread pudding with raspberry sauce and candied pistachios topped off the meal gloriously.

Breakfast was available as in-room service, prompting more leisurely days for me. The house cured salmon with cream cheese and toasted bagel was a treat I truly enjoyed.

Carmel-by-the-Sea

Besides the resort, there are lots of places to visit in the surrounding area. It's a shopper's paradise at the famed Cannery Row in Monterey, a marvelous aquarium and interesting art galleries and shopping in Carmel-by-the-Sea.

The charming historic town of Carmel-by-the-Sea, originally settled by the Spanish navigator Viscaino in 1602, was a haven from pirates. It was re-discovered by Carmelite missionaries in 1770 who gave its name, Carmel. It became an artist's colony in the early 1900s and has flourished ever since.

The influence of Carmel's earliest residents lives in the town's wonderfully creative spirit. Galleries are plentiful and art shows, jazz festivals and concerts fill the local calendar but it's difficult to escape the great shopping and small boutiques.

Cruising 17-Mile Drive, a loop along the coast from Carmel through Pebble Beach to Pacific Grove, is one of my most gorgeous enjoyable drives. The road offers an exceptional panorama and a chance to photograph The Lone Cypress Tree in all her glory!

Carmel Valley Ranch is a pleasurable experience, but my most memorable adventure was venturing up the beautiful mountains overlooking the valley on horseback.

There are 236 restaurants to satisfy every palate with menus that range from southwestern salsa to seafood and steaks. Golf fans can play at any of the 18 courses, while boating visitors can dock at quaint marinas, and there are hundreds of upscale stores and many shopping centers for that special gift or souvenir.