Not to be Mist

I can hear the fog horn in the harbour today which reminded me that I haven't posted some photographs from a prior foggy day at the beach. We haven't had   a lot of these kinds of days this winter, so I wanted to go to the beach to enjoy it.

Low tide reveals a rock that looks a little like a dog.

The egrets like low tide. I like the reflections and the way they stand still for so long.

Success!

It doesn't look tasty to me but this egret lost no time in chomping it down.

A sudden gust of wind can play havoc with your hairstyle.

That's better.

Mist and fog lend a mysterious air to the ocean.

When visiting the beach, leave only footprints (not your paper and plastic rubbish).

After a long walk along the beach I was ready for a sit down at the picnic area. I heard some rustling in the bushes but being short-sighted I couldn't see what was happening. I took a picture in that general direction and got lucky.

One of the many squirrels who live in the bushes.

A better shot of one of the bunnies.

Later that day we returned to the beach for the sunset. This was taken from the car with the window down (briefly) as it was rather cold (for the beach).

Clear to Sea Part One

Some recently visiting friends provided us with an excuse for a day out to Newport Beach. There are several islands (some natural, some man made, some public, some private) in Newport Bay.

We started by crossing a bridge to get onto Balboa Island and then taking a small ferry which takes cars, bicycles, and pedestrians over to Balboa Peninsula. 

You can drive further along the coast and get to the Peninsula that way but the ferry is a fun way to travel.

We had decided to leave our car on Balboa Island and travel the ferry on foot. Once on dry land again, we walked to Balboa Pier.

We were really shocked to see how clear the water was. Neither hubby or I have ever seen the water here this clear. The water almost looked tropical.

A view of Newport Pier.

We could look down and see a greb diving for food.

How to make a restroom building more attractive.

I love these old-style neon signs.

There is a small fun fair at the water's edge.

We decided to take a boat ride around the bay. Neither we nor our friends had done this so it seemed a good activity especially as we were all starving hungry and the boat people allowed us to take our lunch on board. I had a bowl delicious of chips (fries) from Balboa Barbie Q. Hubby got fish and chips.

There is a walking path around Balboa Island which you can walk to look at some of the boats and houses but on the Peninsula and on the private islands you can't do that so the only way to see them from the water. I'm not too interested in boats but I do love to look at other people's homes. I like to see how they've decorated and arranged their gardens.

The homes in this area, especially those on the water, are very expensive and some of them are owned by celebrities and part of the commentary on the trip was pointing out who owned which house (or who used to).

The house with the green awning was the childhood home of child star Shirley Temple.

A California Sea Lion enjoying the sunshine.

Heading out towards the ocean.

A Great Egret.

When we boarded the boat, I didn't realise that we would be going out into the ocean to see a group of Sea Lions so i was thrilled when I found out where we were going.

More wanted to get on the buoy than could fit.

At times I was as excited by the reflections as by the Sea Lions!

Back to the Bay.

Pirate Cove (no pirates in evidence today - only visitors).

'Tis the Season 2

Here is part two of my trip to Roger's Garden Christmas Shop.

I love Olde Worlde Santas.

Loved these Santas.

There are ornaments for every themed tree you can think of.

Due to being injured in a car accident last month, my movements have become limited for the time being. So I may not be able to get out in search of more southern Californian Christmas cheer in the time between now and Christmas Day.

Therefore I'd like to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.