Come Rain, Come Shine

Will we or won't we? Get rain that is. We are in a drought here in southern California as it has been a very dry winter so far. I can't remember the last time we had some rain and even then, it was quite light.
We could do with some from my home country England which is getting more 
than its fair share. The forecast for today predicts rain. I hope they are right.

This is me in the San Juan Creek at the ocean end. Normally I couldn't be standing where I am as it would be underwater.

Dry as a bone. Even the ducks have taken to the ocean.

Better news: the cycle and walking path to the beach is open again after being closed for maintenance. Hubby and I like to take this path to check out the surf and for exercise.

A portion of beach that has been stained by the iron in rocks that have become exposed over the winter.

Recent sunsets.

It was a bit windy and foggy last night but we decided to have a fire at the beach anyway. I love the sparks made when the fire is stoked.

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).

Road Trip 4

We came out of the mountains and foothills and turned west towards the coast. Here we are in the Sacramento River delta area. Along the river were some quaint towns with old buildings, art galleries and small food markets.

There were various metal bridges every so often to small islands in the river.

We headed back into the trees near Santa Cruz to visit the Redwoods.

These trees are really tall.

The local wildlife keeping an eye on us.

Did I mention these trees are tall?

Interesting texture.

Today was our first rainy day but we made the best of it. The surfing museum was closed. Had everyone gone surfing?

Getting to the waves isn't always easy.

Some surfing rules.

The pier in Santa Cruz allows cars on it.

Despite the rain the Boardwalk was busy, though there were few takers for some rides.

I think having fun is allowed though.

We took a lovely walk along the cliffs so that Hubby could show me some of his old surf spots.

A surf spot called the Hook. Surfers give all the surfing spots a name. Some have to do with its location, or the way the wave behaves, and some are named for people.