alainaflute
Greg
Jody
E.G.D.
Waiting for the Waves – Bolinas, California
“He that can have patience can have what he will.”
― Benjamin Franklin
~~~
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Archive for the ‘Northern California Beaches’ Category
Patience is a Virtue
Posted by Jody on October 23, 2017
Posted in Monday Miscellaneous, Northern California Beaches, Surfing Beach, Today's Special | Tagged: beach, beach photography, Benjamin Franklin, Bolinas California beach | Leave a Comment »
Pismo Beach Prize
Posted by Jody on January 30, 2017
Today’s Featured Guest Writer is Jacqueline Downs.
On a recent trip to Pismo Beach with my 7 year old granddaughter, I found a large shark tooth on the shore while shell seeking. I have being a shell seeker for many, many years up and down the California coast and have never found a shark tooth. Actually I have never really searched for shark teeth. I was extremely excited to find it while searching for sand dollars.
Shark Tooth from Pismo Beach, California
I found the shark tooth on the beach close one of the beach stairways north of the pier. I thought it was a nice rock, but behold it was a great surprise. The tooth is a little larger than a quarter.
Pismo Beach Prize
I’m thinking that maybe the tooth came out of the sea wall cliffs at the beach. California has had the a lot rain lately and maybe some erosion.
“Looks kind of old. Kind of like me” ~ We doubt that, Jacqueline ! 🙂
~Many thanks to Jaqueline for sharing her beach treasure with us! We are so happy that she sent along such fabulous photos of her very special find. Any day at the beach with a granddaughter is wonderful. Finding such a spectacular prize together makes it all the better!
Related Links: Pismo Beach, California (Official Site)
Pick Your Own Prehistoric Shark Teeth (Venice, Florida)
Please join us! Submission Guidelines for Guest Writers
Posted in Beach Treasures - Beachcombing, Featured Guest Writer, Northern California Beaches, Sand and Shoreline | Tagged: beach, beachcombing, Pismo Beach California, prehistoric shark teeth, shark teeth | Leave a Comment »
The Best Little Beach Towns On The Pacific Coast
Posted by E.G.D. on July 16, 2016
Today’s Featured Guest Writer is Claire Lovesti.
The west coast may be best known for San Fran and LA, but these beachy babies are sure to make any vacation worthwhile.
The big stars of California (L.A., Long Beach, Napa Valley) and bustling cities of Washington (Space needle anyone?) get all the good reviews on TripAdvisor, but when it comes to getting the small town experience to a t, it’s more about the west coast towns that are a little off the radar.
From beautiful northern islands all the way down to Laguna, here are five beaches that are bound to make you lust after a trip out west.
- San Juan Islands, Washington
View of Roche Harbor from the McMillan Suites by Bhsantos
This archipelago in Washington with a penchant for northwestern landscape and wildlife are literally a sight to behold. From the horseshoe shaped Orca Island to the bustling Roche Harbor on San Juan, there’s plenty to do and see here to make any beach vacation a gorgeous one. For orca whale sightings, head for the national park on Orca Island. For great hiking and kayaking, head for Moran State Park. With accessibility between these islands limited almost exclusively to boats (Anacorte is the only town you can connect to the mainland by bridge), it’s a dream situation where you’re literally cut off from the rest of the world by, at the very least, a charming ferry ride. Stay at the Roche Harbor Resort in your very own town house and grab a bite at Lime Kiln Cafe—it’s a mix of great views and a great breakfast!
- Cannon Beach, Oregon
Haystack Rock, Cannon Beach, Oregon
Cannon Beach may be Oregan’s less famous beach town, but it gets you out of the way of all of the tourist traffic of Seaside and offers the same excellent beach feel. Haystack Rock is known for it’s killer landscape and beautiful beach atmosphere (also well known for being featured in The Goonies and Point Break) and is a must-see stop on your itinerary, as is Hug Point State Recreation Park with it’s waterfall and excellent hiking opportunities. Arch Cape Inn & Retreat will provide European style architecture (and eco-friendly outdoor excursions) while Cannon Beach Hotel offers the classic New England style B&B with excellent beach views. With a healthy restaurateur selection, I suggest making plans at The Irish Table (worth the wait in line) and Tom’s Fish and Chips for a local, quick bite.
- Monterey, California
Cannery Row’s Beach in Monterey, CA
Monterey’s claim to fame may have been all the sardine canneries along the coast, but good news for the tourists (and for the smell) Cannery Row is now a waterfront delight that looks like the “Good Ole Days” but is bustling with excellent, modern attractions. Boasting an excellent seaside aquarium, a stellar brewing company (an original Cannery Row beer milkshake anyone?), and a beautiful inn or two, Monterey is the place to go for local culture, flavor, and an authentic West Coast beach vibe that has nothing to do with surfing or getting the perfect beach tan. American classic novelist John Steinbeck wrote of the Canneries in his novel, Cannery Row, and while Steinbeck’s character enjoyed his beer milkshake, I bet any traveller is going to enjoy it more since it’s gotten an upgrade since it’s literary mention in 1945.
- Santa Barbara, California
By John Wiley User:Jw4nvc – Santa Santa Barbara, California
While Santa Barbara might not be anyone’s idea of a small beach town, it’s undeniable that this charming city by the sea is definitely underrated. From the picturesque boardwalk to the extensive botanical gardens, there’s so much more to do than just enjoy the beach life (and that’s perfectly great for me). This beach town is perfect for travelers who like to get in plenty of cultural stops as well as sun rays, so make sure to stop at Lotusland for an exotic botanical experience, the Chumash Painted Cave State Historic Park including Native American stone paintings, and Arlington Theatre for a cool, old-fashioned movie theatre vibe.
For fans of a packed itinerary, download the Best of Santa Barbara app from the iTunes store for free and enjoy the limitless options that the city has to offer. Heading to the West Coast from out of town? All non-US travelers can grab a local SIM card for their unlocked iPhone and save on international plans while keeping the same service!
- Laguna Beach, California
Laguna Beach, CA by D Ramey Logan
While the innuendo of a Lauren Conrad or Kristin Cavallari apocalypse comes along with any mention of Laguna, it’s still the most picturesque little beach town on the California coast. Full of art galleries, fantastic restaurants, and that full-on beach town vibe, this nook previously visited by artists and writers is now a great place for families, couples, and friends to go on vacation. If you’ve got the vacation budget, I suggest a stay at the The Inn At Laguna Beach—crystal beach water views, excellent food and coffee, and just steps away from the main town center of Laguna.
If you’re aiming for a relaxed, off the beaten path vibe, these five choices are sure to give you that beach tan and hang ten vibe—just a word of warning, you may never want to leave!
About the author:
I’m Claire – a self-confessed travel nut. I’ve been traveling around the world since my mum farewelled me in a teary goodbye and I haven’t looked back since. You can read all about my adventures through 48 cities in 26 countries on 4 continents on my blog Traveltio.com.
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A note from our Treasure Hunters:
We simply love to share when it comes to beaches, treasure hunting, beachcombing crafts, and beachy tips. How about you? Do you have a favorite beach you’d like to share with us? Maybe you have some great tips for beach picnics, seaside safety, or seashore activities. Please check out our Submission Guidelines for info on jumping into the fun at Beach Treasures and Treasure Beaches. You could be our next Featured Guest Writer!
Posted in A Treasure of a Beach (Best Beaches), Beaches of North America, Featured Guest Writer, Northern California Beaches, Pacific Coast Beaches, Southern California Beaches | Tagged: beach, Cannon Beach Oregon, Laguna Beach, California, Monterey, California, San Juan Islands, Washington, Santa Barbara, California | 4 Comments »
Honoring Veterans Day
Posted by Jody on November 11, 2015
Crown Memorial State Beach, Alameda, California
Honoring Our Veterans
In Memory (Naval Air Station Alameda)
Thank you for your service, veterans! Here’s hoping you can take some time today to relax on a beach ^_^. You’ve earned it- From The Beach Treasures and Treasure Beaches Team (including Greg, who happens to be a U.S. Navy veteran)
Posted in Beaches of North America, Northern California Beaches, Pacific Coast Beaches | Tagged: beach, California, Crown Memorial State Beach, Veterans Day | 4 Comments »
♬ Above the Blue and Windy Sea 🎶
Posted by Jody on August 26, 2014
“There’s a beach in San Francisco?” We get that a lot! In fact, it’s only a very short jaunt from Fisherman’s Wharf to this popular stretch of sand! Simply head east on Jefferson Street, and you’ll find Aquatic Park Historic Cove and the exceptional city-side Aquatic Park beach.
This entire area is part of the National Park Service’s San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park. Lots of words…even more fun!
Here you can bike, run, swim, paddle board, play in the sand, or just watch the world go by:
The next time you’re in the City by the Bay, you can use this handy National Park Service site to help plan your visit to San Francisco’s Aquatic Park Cove beach: San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park. And you’ll, too, be singing ~ “I Left My Heart in San Francisco. High on a hill, it calls to me…”
🎶 “My love waits there in San Francisco
Above the blue and windy sea
When I come home to you, San Francisco
Your golden sun will shine for me”♬
“I Left My Heart In San Francisco” by George Cory and Douglass Cross
~~~
Posted in Northern California Beaches, Sand and Shoreline | Tagged: Aquatic Park Cove, beach, Fisherman's Wharf, Hyde Street Pier, San Francisco Bay, San Francisco beach, San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park | Leave a Comment »
By the Wind Sailor
Posted by Jody on August 23, 2014
Greg and I recently returned from another fantastic visit to the Bay Area (and points north).
Stinson Beach
While strolling Stinson Beach one perfect July afternoon, we happened upon a large number jelly-like oval-shaped creatures washed up on the sand. 😦 They were the most striking deep blue in color. I recognized them right away, even though I had never seen one of these strange little life forms in person before.
By the Wind Sailors on Stinson Beach
By the Wind Sailors on Stinson Beach
Their distinctive “sail” was the give-away!
By the Wind Sailor
By the Wind Sailor
Nobody (except the scavenging gulls) seemed to pay them any mind at all. Harmless to humans, these amazing marine organisms are called “by the wind sailors” (Velella velella ). They live on the surface of the ocean and can be found on both the Atlantic coast and the Pacific coast of the United States. By the wind sailors are commonly seen scattered about the sands of Stinson Beach during the late spring and early summer, and along the west coast as far north as Washington State, when especially strong winds can cast counteless numbers of these ill-fated critters ashore.
Look closely for the By the Wind Sailors.
Harmless to humans: blue stinging tentacles around the rim.
According to National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s SIMoN website:
Velella velella is incredibly stabile and seaworthy by design. The sail is triangular, slightly thicker at its base, stiffened by superficial thickened ridges, and yet still quite flexible. This incredible design allows smooth bending when its sail is under load, recoiling when the wind lets up, and overall minimizes the risk of kinking. The whole animal tilts when under sail, hull broadside to the flow of oncoming water.
Velella velella drifts before the wind, almost always tacking about 45 degrees to the right of the prevailing northwesterlies. This is normally enough to keep them offshore, however southerly or extremely strong onshore winds can cause them to spin around and follow the wind at a much closer angle that brings them toward land. Once washed ashore, the animals die and disintegrate within a few days.
And here’s a little something extra for your next beach/trivia party! According to Oregon State University: “The sail is set diagonally to the long axis of the animal. On our side of the north Pacific Ocean, their sails are set in a northwest to southeast direction. On the other side of the north Pacific, the sails are set in a northeast to southwest direction. In the southern hemisphere, sails are reversed.”
Apparently, 2014 has been a bang-up year for the beaching of these remarkable, translucent, ocean-going creatures. Stories of mass sightings abound.
Here are a couple more helpful links in case you’d like to learn more about the (often hyphenated) by-the-wind sailor.
Serenity, Sand and (yes) Sharks of Stinson Beach (Stinson Beach)
~~~
Posted in Beach and Coastal Wildlife, Northern California Beaches, Sand and Shoreline | Tagged: beach, beachcombing, By the Wind Sailor, jellyfish, Marin County California beach, Stinson Beach California, Velella velella | 14 Comments »
Morro Bay, California – Sea Stars, Sand Dollars & Surfers
Posted by Jody on October 15, 2013
We just love returning to the beaches of Morro Bay, California. Nestled on the Pacific Ocean about half way between Los Angeles and San Francisco, Morro Bay is home to one of the most fascinating coastal environments you’ll find anywhere.
Sea Star, Morro Bay, California (Photo by Jody Diehl)
Our family loves exploring the tide pools near “El Morro” (aka: Morro Rock). We’re never disappointed with the rich variety of marine life we find near the rocky breakwater.
Heading out to explore the tide pools in almost any weather is well worth the time and energy. You’ll be so glad you did. Keep your eyes open! You’ll have to look under and around rocks to spot the beautifully colored sea stars and sea anemones. Smaller crabs will scurry into the riprap, waving and drumming their pincers to warn you off. It’s a really cool sound (Don’t worry about embarrassing them, though – they never seem put off that you’re laughing at their bravado)! The larger crabs won’t pay you any mind at all. Years ago, Greg and I even came across a young seal resting on the sand. That was a real bonus!
The Crab Who Didn’t Care, Morro Bay, California (Photo by Jody Diehl)
On the way back toward town, check out the bay side water to see if you can catch a glimpse of the very entertaining otters.
If bird watching is your jive, the Morro Bay area is home to over 250 species of birds (including peregrine falcons), a fact that this quaint fishing village celebrates each year with the Winter Bird Festival weekend.
Beach and coastal activities are numerous in Morro Bay. If you check out the beach to the north of Morro Rock, you’ll inevitably find surfers, even if they’re just hanging out waiting for the next set of waves. This strand is also where a bounty of sand dollars can be found (be careful not to collect the live ones).
If you look to the south of Morro Rock toward the placid waters of the protected bay, you’ll see kayaks gliding amongst the moored sail boats.
Kayak in Morro Bay, California (©Jody Diehl)
It always seems to be a bit misty when we’re visiting Morro Bay, and mornings can be pretty nippy out on the water. You might want to wear layers and bring along rain gear, just in case. Your sturdy beach-trekkers will be perfect for climbing over the uneven rocks around the tide pools.
Where is your favorite tide pooling spot? We’d love to hear about it!
~~~
Posted in Beach and Coastal Wildlife, Beach Treasures - Beachcombing, Northern California Beaches, Tide Pools | Tagged: beach, beachcombing, Morro Bay California, Northern California tide pools, sand dollars, sea stars | 9 Comments »
Weekend Wondering
Posted by Jody on August 17, 2013
McClures Beach, Point Reyes National Seashore, Northern California
Men go abroad to wonder at the heights of mountains, at the huge waves of the sea, at the long courses of the rivers, at the vast compass of the ocean, at the circular motions of the stars, and they pass by themselves without wondering.
~Saint Augustine
~~~
Posted in Northern California Beaches, Today's Special | Tagged: beach, beach photography, McClures Beach California, Point Reyes National Seashore, Saint Augustine | 3 Comments »
The Beach at Cannery Row (Monterey, California)
Posted by Jody on June 13, 2013
John Steinbeck Sculpture at Cannery Row >>> This way to the beach!
Plaza Entrance to the Beach at Cannery Row
Cannery Row’s Beach
Self Portrait at Cannery Row’s Beach – Looking across Monterey Bay
“The tide goes out imperceptibly. The boulders show and seem to rise up and the ocean recedes leaving little pools, leaving wet weed and moss and sponge, iridescence and brown and blue and China red.”
~ John Steinbeck, Cannery Row
Summer reading: I just finished reading Cannery Row (thoroughly enjoyed it) and have now moved on to John Steinbeck’s Travels With Charley (loving it!). Steinbeck sure did know how to weave a captivating tale!
What’s on your summer beach reading list? I’d love to hear your recommendations!
~~~
Cannery Row: Looking Back – John Steinbeck
Cannery Row in Monterey, California
Just one more thing: Flag Day USA is tomorrow, June 14th. ~ Fly em’ high! ~
Posted in Northern California Beaches, Tide Pools | Tagged: beach, Cannery Row, Flag Day, John Steinbeck, Monterey California beach, summer reading | 11 Comments »
Santa Cruz-a-palooza (Part 4: The Surfers)
Posted by Jody on June 3, 2013
Heading Out
Surf’s Up!
Into the Surf
Surfer Memorial Beanch
Santa Cruz Surfers
Don’t Be Next!
“To Honor Surfing”
Santa Cruz Surfers
Heading Home
“Warning – Cliff Edges Are Dangerous”
Santa Cruz, California
Santa Cruz Surfers
Surfing in Santa Cruz
Heading Out
Santa Cruz Surfing Museum
Surf’s Up! ~Early May in Santa Cruz on California’s Central Coast~
On our last day in Santa Cruz, Greg and I were thrilled to catch the surfers off of Cowell Beach. The water near the Santa Cruz Surfing Museum was teeming with wet-suited folks just waiting for the perfect wave. As we stood at the railing happily watching the action, I noticed more surfers quickly running toward the picturesque cliffs to enter the water. Not knowing if this was their usual routine, I wondered whether this was an especially good morning for surfing in Santa Cruz. You can see in the photo collage that we caught sight of one of the younger surfers jumping into the ocean from the unstable cliff edge. Most of the surfers just scrambled down the precarious bluff to the water’s edge to (safely?) enter the surf.
Wouldn’t the Beach Boys be proud? ♬Catch a wave and you’re sitting on top of the world!♫
Surfing history in Santa Cruz, California:
“History records that surfboard riding first began in the Hawaiian Islands hundreds of years ago. It took until the late 1800’s and early 1900’s before it was introduced to the U.S. Mainland, mostly along the southern coast of California. Surfing became known in the Santa Cruz area when a few young men from the beaches of southern California migrated to the San Francisco Bay Area to seek jobs or to attend college. They already knew how to surf and brought their boards with them. Soon they discovered the beaches of Monterey Bay and the outstanding surf breaking across the outer reefs and sandbars at Cowell’s Beach.”
Source: Hal Goody, History of the Santa Cruz Surfing Club, Santa Cruz Public Libraries
Additional links:
Friction in Santa Cruz waters: Paddle boarders, surfers battle
~~~
Posted in Monday Miscellaneous, Northern California Beaches, Surfing Beach | Tagged: beach, California Central Coast, California surfing beach, Cowell Beach, Santa Cruz California Beach, Santa Cruz Surfing Museum, Surfer Memorial, surfing | 4 Comments »
