All Good Things

Over the past several years I have enjoyed posting on this blog but today I am going to bring it to an end. There are several reasons but the main one is time.  

Thank you for joining me on my adventures to the beach and elsewhere in southern California. Join me, if you'd like to at my other blog, Jacqueline Price Art which is more art-related in nature.

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).

Set to Work

I am finally able to do a little painting and here is a little painting.

Sunset Reflections 5" x 7" Oil on Canvas.

Variation on a Theme

A sunset never gets old.

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 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.