Muir in the Mist

It was sunny. I headed out, to spend some secluded time with my book and the sand.

I was anxious to smell the ocean, the salt and breeze, feel the sand on my skin. I brought my bikini, just in case.

Muir Beach, CA was my destination.

As I drove down the twisting HWY 1 to the coast, fog began blocking out the sun and my view. The air was turning from warm to chilly, and by the time I parked in the ‘lot full’ parking lot, I was thankful I had brought my short jean jacket.

I had chosen my clothing carefully. I wore a short teal lace beach dress, cute wedge sandals, and my bikini in which I scandalously changed into, in my car. (no one saw me!) It was not quite what I’d prefer to wear on a cold day at the beach.

Barefoot walk to the beach in the cold sand, carrying my favorite “use me over and over again” Kenneth Cole Reaction bag filled with towel, sarong, book, camera, water,… I was set.

Interesting people greeted me as I passed by. Fire smoke and bundled babies and doggies having a blast, it was perfect!

My happy spot selected, I sat to enjoy the sights, smells and strangers around me.  Groups of people camped around smoking fires, keeping warm in the sand. Activity and conversation surrounded me.  It was lovely, alone on the beach with my book and my thoughts.

When the wind turned the air from bearable to bone-chilling, I packed up with thoughts of wearing more appropriate beach clothing. On the path, I passed a camera crew going to take cool misty shots and a college group carrying heavy logs, with ‘great flames’ written on their faces.

It was tempting to stay and enjoy the night fun on Muir Beach, but my cold feet took me to my car and home. Next time…

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Wedge Wear day AND night!

Sandals are the first choice in shoe fashion where I live in California. Wedges are EVERYWHERE!

I love mine and have several pairs to choose from. But… I always need more!

At a recent Wine and Chocolate Stroll in fashionable downtown Danville, women were out in their cute wedges for some guaranteed night fun.  I had on my preferred heels, but what I saw, I loved!

I normally choose my colorful wedges for day-wear, however I think I’ll pull out a pair the next time I’m out at night as well!

 

Here’s to finding the versatile wedge!

My Picks:

Chinese Laundry

Lucky Brand

Naughty Monkey at Zappos

Seychelles

and my absolute favorite

Cesare Paciotti

Of course I’d wear those Cesare Paciotti’s anywhere! But for the casual fun in my downtown, I’d have to choose Naughty Monkey for their flare.

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Sharks at New Smyrna

Those were the only sharks we saw on our most recent trip to Florida.

New Smyrna Beach in May, had a shark alert. So when I took my little guys to the beach, I was on the look out as well.

I was relieved to see the population, when we arrived at the beautiful white beach.

Boys at the beach need, not just water and sand, but always toys!! Water guns are among this mom’s favs.

No apologies necessary. I do have typical little boys. The black tank, perfect cover-up for the fun-loving mom! But time to get a new suite, and a tan.

It was a perfect day! We found tiny fish, not sharks at New Smyrna Beach.

After spending all day at the beach, there was nothing better to sit down to with sandy shoes and wet suits, than the Dolphin View. Tucked away on North Riverside Drive, New Smyrna, is the best fresh fish! My tired fellas were highly entertained by the fisherman butchering the day’s catch right on the dock, while we waited for our dinner.

New Smyrna Beach, Florida in May. We’ll be back!

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Romance on the Beach

 

 

 

 

 

Seascape, one of California’s more secluded beaches in Santa Cruz and is rated high on the list of romantic beaches for lovers.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I took my family there.

 

 

We did not find lovers, however what we found we loved.

Dogs. Many, many dogs. Doggies in the surf, doggies running everywhere, doggies doing what they do best.

 

 

It was funny going to a beach where everyone had a dog. But we enjoyed it and it only added to the fun we were having.

The beach was clean and the presence of the Life Guard was a plus. The surf was rough deeper out, but the long stretch of shallow water was great for the kids.

There were fire pits here and there, permanently set for the night fun. We left when it got too cold for us, but next time we’ll plan to stay late to enjoy the fires.

 

 

 

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Spring Beach Break

Tucked away, Bolinas Beach is a well-kept secret among California’s beach-goers. My family spent a week there during the Spring.

Bolinas itself is not just another beach town, this place is special. Nestled close to the long stretch of popular Stinson Beach and the beautiful views on Mount Tamalpais, Bolinas offers its own history. There you’ll find in the Bolinas Museum showcasing local history, art, and photography.

Upon arrival, we were greeted by a young sea-lion enjoying the sunshine.

We were soon acquainted with the local flavor. The friendly locals out for a beach stroll, the few surfers enjoying early morning waves, and a dog named Bill.

The small town atmosphere was what attracted me most about this place. It was a perfect locale to catch up on some relaxing and living. I would definitely take my family there again.

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Those California Boyz

As parents of boys, my husband and I are always looking for great places to take our little men-in-making to. It’s always a hit, when there is a little “danger” involved.

We found, The USS Hornet.

What’s better than boys exploring an Aircraft Carrier with a great history?!

The impressive gun was a huge hit, not just with the little guys.

This is what they did for fun!

Seaman in the making?

The Hornet was not only a hit with our boys, but as we were leaving, lined up next to the ship we saw close to 200 anxious Boy Scouts waiting with pillows and sleeping bags.

We are looking forward to our next adventure on the USS Hornet.