San Onofre State Beach

Even though I've lived in S. CA most of my life and have explored most of our local beaches, I've only been to San Onofre beach a couple of times. It's somewhat hidden from the masses, but it's like stepping back in time. Before San Onofre became a state beach, you had to be a member of the San Onofre Surfing Club to ride waves at this spot. To this day, it feels like you've entered a private beach. There are personal touches all over... everything from carved tiki statues to custom built benches and surfboard totems. I have no idea who maintains all this stuff, or who built it to begin with (I'm pretty sure it's not the State of California!), and it's very cool that nobody messes with it.

I was in San Diego on business a few weeks ago and, knowing my meeting would end around 2 PM, packed my camera gear. I was lucky... we had rain that morning and some great clouds mixed with blue sky worked to enhance my photos. It was a weekday after a rain, so the beach was nearly empty. Actually, it was closed (I parked in a lot next to the closed gate and made the short hike in). Hoping those of you in frigid climes will enjoy these photos (taken in December, 2014).

Just look at the surfboard up in the sky to see which direction the wind is blowing!

Just give me a firepit, a picnic table, and a beautiful beach.  What more do you need?? 

Surfboard, totem, rock-lined gardens... feels like you are in somebody's back yard!

Surfboard racks on the left... shower straight ahead!

If you continue walking to the far end of San Onofre State Beach, there is a surprise waiting for you. Can you guess what it is? I'll post again in a few days with photos of what you'll see as you continue your journey down this beautiful stretch of coastline.

Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul - Philadelphia

I've been in Philadelphia all week. This was the view from my hotel window (shot through window glass using my iPhone). The moon was setting just around sunrise, which made for some beautiful skies!

Linking with Skywatch Friday. Click on the link to check out great skies from around the world!!

Snow in Joshua Tree!

While many of my blogger friends are probably tired of snow, it's something that is rare and celebrated when it happens in the S. CA deserts. In the years we've been coming out to the Joshua Tree area, I've never had the chance to hike in the park after a snow, so this afternoon was a real treat!

It wasn't a big snow... just a couple inches. Temps were in the '20s and windy, so very cold, with some additional snow flurries during my hike. According to the weather report, tonight was the coldest night of the year in S. CA!!

I came across this snow cave with big icicles hanging down during my hike.

The photo above was taken by moonlight (10 second exposure).  I like the deep blue night sky!

I thought you might enjoy a comparison shot:  The old truck in my header photo (taken during the summer) and the same truck taken today after the snow.

Wishing you a healthy, happy and prosperous 2015!

Ho Ho Ho!!!

Merry Christmas!!  Wishing you a wonderful Holiday Season and a New Year full of Peace and Happiness!!!