 California has a sense of humor regarding their “public beach access” signs. It’s often a partial set of steps hanging from a cliff. The erosion leaves a shear drop to rocks and maybe a spit of sand. Just can’t picture bringing a chair and a book for for the day.
And we have the nerve to grumble when walking through the long paths in the high dunes of Avalon!
We live by the surfing beach in Stone Harbor, so I know to look the other way when the young (and not so young) men are wrapped in a towel next to their cars in the morning. They try to be modest…especially with the nun’s retreat house in full view.
Tonight, we selected a restaurant by the beach just in time for sunset. Didn’t realize that the public rinse off shower was located in front of our patio dining area. One by one, the surfers dropped their boards on the grass, and proceeded to remove their full wet suits while juggling a towel. It was our entertainment for the evening!Â
Vacations MUST include golf for my husband. I don’t play, so the challenge is to find something to do for 4+ hours.
My childhood experience of sneaking in to the Concord Motel pool has evolved to crashing the pool area of golf resorts. I spent yesterday sitting by the “Private- Members Only” pool of an elegant Santa Cruz club- reading a book. The selection of a golf course is determined by the convenience of a nearby downtown shopping area or a nice pool.
 We drove to Pebble Beach today and walked around- spectacular… but I don’t think I will be crashing their pool 🙂
Tip to reduce jet lag- set your watch for your destination when you board the plane. Yesterday, when we left Philadelphia, I first set my watch to Colorado time. We had a 2 hour layover and I would need to know the “real” time while waiting for the next flight (painful to be in Denver, by the way, and not see our son and his family- they live a few hours from the airport in the mountains- I waived from the airplane window as we flew over the Rockies!)
Anyway, just before the 2nd flight, I was setting my watch again for California time. A bit of hesitation here…am I going 1 hour ahead or back? What time is it now in New Jersey?Â
 Arrived to our destination last night in time to see the full moon over Monterey Bay- very beautiful. Staying in a charming home in Capitola, and we are anxious to explore the area.Â
It’s Wednesday morning and still dark- up very early because, although it’s 5am here…it’s REALLY 8am…I think :)Â
 Leaving tomorrow to visit another beach town- Santa Cruz, California. We will spend a week exploring their coast (Monterey, Carmel, Big Sur) and then our last 2 days in San Francisco.Â
When I meet someone new, and tell them where I live, they often express a mixture of jealousy and empathy. They understand the summer lifestyle, but wonder what I “do” all winter?
 Well, my life is very ordinary- in an extraordinary environment!
For example, yesterday was my day off. I still had to start the laundry, pay bills, clean the house, etc. like everyone else…but I also get to walk on the beach and kayak in the bay 🙂
Sure, January and February are dreary- but that’s typical of most areas in the North East. The sun coming up over the ocean lifts my spirits year round…I am so grateful to live and work along the coast.
Columbus Day Weekend at the shore:Â
The Indian Summer Seafood Festival in Avalon- 30th Street and the beach; from 11 am to 5 pm Saturday and Sunday. Live music, family entertainment, and excellent food from local vendors.
In Stone Harbor- The Art & Music Festival all day Saturday and Sunday on 96th Street. Most downtown retail stores will be open all weekend, too.Â
 As a seaside community, we have a limited number of trees. The change of colors in the fall take on a different meaning at the shore.Â
 The wild goldenrod blooms with yellow flowers in October - adding color to the sand dunes. And the back bay marsh grass fades from bright green to a more muted color- eventually turning brown in the winter.
Thankfully, the fading marsh grass is off set with brilliant fall sunsets.
 
 The pumpkins and mums in front of the year round homes look great, too!
 With the tourists gone, the sea gulls have turned “organic”. Instead of potato chips, the birds are feasting on crabs and small fish. Interesting to watch their hunting skills in action- dive bombing in the shallow water and actively searching the water’s edge.Â
Bag Pipes at Sunset
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 While my husband golfed, I walked around Carmel- a perfect little town along the coast with a real sand beach and beautiful views to Pebble Beach.  The homes are modest in size, and an interesting mix of English story book cottages and upscale beach bungalows surrounded by mature trees. The woods/beach setting reminds me of Kiawah, South Carolina- another favorite beach location.