It’s that time of year again, Continue reading
Category Archives: Lifestyle
Photography Field Trip to San Diego
4
First stop, Old Town San Diego. If you read my previous post, you know I went to the train station a day too early! Continue reading
Taking Time to Really Look
This semester I’m taking a class in beginning digital photography. One of the homework assignments was to photograph a sunset. The first two evenings, I got so busy, I forgot to go outside and look. On the 3rd day, I actually set an alarm to remind myself to head out into the backyard with my camera, at the appropriate time. Looking over our back wall, I realized that I had never really looked at a sunset. It was lovely and I got a few good shots, but not as colorful as I had hoped. The next evening my husband and I climbed a near by trail just before the sun went down and were rewarded with a beautiufl view of a breathtaking sunset. The class assignment had turned into a very enjoyable experience that included a lovely walk with Martin.
The second assignment was to take an action shot. I chose the ocean water moving over rocks at Dana Point Harbor. Again, something I had never really taken the time to observe closely.
When I registered for the class, my motive was to learn to take better photographs. What I didn’t realize, was just how many beautiful subjects there are to photograph, when we slow down enough to look around and really see. I hope to improve my skills, but even if I don’t, I have learned a valuable life lesson. I find myself constantly looking for the perfect subject for my next photo, and this alone has taught me to appreciate the beauty that is all around us. Perhaps after reading this, you may find yourself taking a little more time to notice the beauty which I’m sure surrounds you too.
Away From the Heat and the Smoke
One of our favorite scooter destinations is Silverado Canyon, and that was the plan, until yesterday, around 10:00 A.M., when a wild fire started in Silverado Canyon. I spotted the tell tale cloud of smoke around 1:00 P.M., as I headed off to a class, and by the time I arrived home at 4:30 the fire had obviously grown in size. There was no wind thank goodness, so the fire was not being pushed along as so often happens here in Southern California.
This morning when we woke we could smell smoke, and according to the weather report we were in for another scorcher. We made the decision to ride our scooters to the coast and see if we could find some cool, smoke free air. We weren’t the only ones looking.
As I write this we are home, about ten miles from the fire, which is still burning. The canyon has been evacuated and brave firefighters work to save homes. We are sending them good thoughts, and wishing the residents of Silverado Canyon a quick and safe return to their homes.
A Local Treasure in Dana Point
The Dana Point Headlands Interpretive Center
You may have read that our south facing beaches here in California have had enormous waves the past week or so. The authorities are asking us to stay away, because several people have been injured while surfing or swimming. This morning our curiosity got the better of us and we decided to have a look. We drove to Dana Point and had lunch at Smokey’s House of BBQ on Pacific Coast Highway. We are familiar with Smokey’s because our San Clemente Scooter Club often meets there for dinner.
After lunch, we went to the Dana Point Marina, where we drove up the very steep Cove Road, and then spotted Green Lantern. This was a road we had never noticed before, even though for many years we kept a sail boat in the Dana Point Marina.
We turned on to the street to see where it led. It was then that we spotted the sign announcing The Dana Point Headlands Conservation Area. We parked and went in to the Interpretive Center. We were welcomed by two docents who showed us around and told us the building had been there for four years, which was quite a surprise to us. They also told us about the hiking trails that were part of the conservation area. After looking at the exhibits, we headed out on the trail.
Here you can see my husband, Martin, walking the sandy trail, with the beautiful Pacific in the distance. The trails were easy to follow, and very well tended.
The view was absolutely breathtaking. We hiked for a little over thirty minutes and then turned back. We had not planned on a hike, so were not carrying water, or sun screen. We were so happy to have found this wonderful treasure, so close to home. We plan to return soon, carrying the proper supplies, and hike farther next time. Oh, by the way, we never did get to see the waves up close. That is probably a good thing as the lifeguards are busy enough, without us adding to their work.