October 25, 2008

Golden Gate Bridge

By ann

goldengate.jpg  Back home from our trip. Spent our last 2 days in San Francisco- the highlight was riding a bike over the Golden Gate Bridge! 

Glad to be back in New Jersey- even with the dreary weather.  Looking forward to a long walk on the beach  🙂

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October 20, 2008

From the Redwood Forests…

By ann

redwood.jpg  Took a 4 mile hike through Big Basin Redwoods State Park- the trees are amazing (I am walking through one of the trunks in the photo).  The road to and from the park was like a roller coaster ride- we were so glad to eventually reach the coastal road.

farmland.jpg  Speaking of the coastal road, the section between Santa Cruz and Half Moon Bay is unique.  It’s a prime farming area- with large planted fields adjacent to the ocean cliffs- I’m surprised the salt spray doesn’t effect the crops.  The largest crop- pumpkins.  The farm stands were bursting with supply!

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October 19, 2008

Bag Pipes at Sunset

By ann

bagpiper.jpg  Now this is the way to end the day…a bag piper on the 1st tee of The Links at Spanish Bay (one of the golf courses in the Pebble Beach area).  He walked on just before sunset- in full costume- and played for about 15 minutes- very cool!

 carmelcottage.jpg  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.

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October 18, 2008

Beach Access

By ann

 calfbeachaccess.jpg 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!

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October 17, 2008

Capitola Surfing Beach

By ann

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! 

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October 16, 2008

Golf Widow Survival

By ann

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.

pebblebeach2.jpg  We drove to Pebble Beach today and walked around- spectacular… but I don’t think I will be crashing their pool 🙂

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October 15, 2008

What Time is it Really?

By ann

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? 

capitolamoon.jpg  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. 

It’s Wednesday morning and still dark- up very early because, although it’s 5am here…it’s REALLY 8am…I think  :) 

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October 13, 2008

“California Dreaming”

By ann

santacruz.jpg  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. 

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October 11, 2008

What Do You Do Off Season??

By ann

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?

october10.jpg  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.

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October 8, 2008

Weekend Events

By ann

Columbus Day Weekend at the shore: 

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. 

watertower.jpg

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