Golden Bowers

A few weeks ago, hubby and I took our first visit to the Bowers Museum in Santa Ana. It has one of the prettiest entryways, built in the Spanish style, I've seen for a museum.

This is a large mural which is mostly obscured by a tree.

I'm not sure what to make of this pruning work. Perhaps they were trying to create a pom-pom tree.

This is in a small garden off of a large hall.

This is a museum that covers a variety of subjects. We saw exhibitions on Beethoven's late works, art of the Pacific (specifically headhunters in New Guinea), early California settlers' artifacts, and 19th Century European paintings. 

I'm sure we will be returning there again in the near future.

Castaway in Hawaii

'Kona Clouds' 8" x 10" Oil on Canvas.

This is from a photograph I took while in Hawaii (the Big Island) two years ago. I used to live there so it is wonderful to revisit my old haunts and spend time with friends.

It was more overcast than normal the last time we were there which meant I could get some pictures of those beautiful tropical colours in deeper tones.

Beach Power

I'm still catching up with posting photographs from some recent trips to the beach when we had a particularly warm week here.

One day we went to San Onofre State beach which is a more primitive beach (basic toilets and a rough road) than many in the area but it is loved by surfers.

It was low tide again so there were lots of interesting textures to see and a chance to walk in areas that are usually under the water.

Air holes made by critters living under the sand.

Seagulls and a Blue Heron checking out the surf.

As hubby was going to be out in the ocean for a while surfing, I decided to take a walk along an portion of beach I haven't been before. This took me past the nuclear plant at the end of the surf area.

I love how clear the reflections are in the picture below.

Wet sand can be golden or purple depending on the amount of water.

Fabulous textures.

Evidence of the patter of tiny feet.

The combination of some rocks, water, and sunlight turn an ordinary scene into something special.

Clear to Sea Part Two

Yesterday I left you on a boat in Newport Bay after enjoying a fabulous unclose view of California Sea Lions.

The second portion of the ride focused on the various homes, boats, islands and other sights to be seen around the Bay.

The house below is owned by Hollywood actress, Diane Keaton.

Some interesting birds passing through the area.

Boats and more boats. I get seasick so owning a boat has never appealed to me.

The lady who owns this house has over 3,000 bears who all like having a view of the water.

The front of the party Tiki Boat.

A view of the ferry. It takes three to four cars.

A house owned by a couple from new York where the wife was missing home.

Collins island only has eight homes on it.

This home used to be owned by Hollywood actor Charles Bronson.

This home was either once owned by golfer Tiger Woods or someone completely different. I hadn't heard of many of the people who owned homes here so after a while, the names and homes all blurred together.

This empty piece of land will cost you $22 million.

Hollywood actor John Wayne's (the Duke) former home. My Dad loved western films so I grew up watching John Wayne on TV.

This boat is worth $42 million and is owned by the owners of the Shogun restaurants.

The Balboa Bay Club. Hubby used to play a gig here as part of a trio.

This is a upscale clothing store.

John Wayne's former boat.

Once owned by Hollywood actor Rock Hudson.

Lido Island.

At the end of the boat trip we made our way from the Peninsula back to Balboa Island.

When the boat docks, a ramp drops down to allow cars to drive off. Pedestrians exit to the right via a side ramp.

We returned to our friends hotel for dinner and to enjoy the sunset.