Dana Point

I don't know about you, but I sometimes get the itchies to get out of the house. Thursday, Greg said, "I'm going to be in the field today, and it's going to be a looong day." That was about all the permission I need to head to the beach! Hey! I now live less than three hours from the beach, and I'm gonna take full advantage of it! No more desert for me!

A friend suggested a great place to visit (not for the beach, but for the ocean) was Dana Point. I had heard that Dana Point was the premier marina in Orange County, and I wanted to see what all the hub-bub was all about. All I'm going to say is WOW!!

I am so sad to report that about an hour-and-a-half into my journey to the ocean, Greg called me and said he didn't end up going to the field and was now back home in Yucca Valley. Poo! I would have loved to share Dana Point with him!

There were three California Sea Lions playing in the harbor entrance. One of them was just laying there with its fins sticking out of the water. I have never seen anything like it! It drew quite a crowd, with everyone guessing why it was sticking its fins out.

Dana Point was like my boater's heaven. It literally broke my heart to be there. The smell of the water and the clanging sound of the sailboat masts brought me right back to Charlie Ray. I miss her so much. I walked the boardwalk around the marina wishing to be a part of it again.

The marina is protected from the ocean swells by a very large breakwall. The fun part is they allow people to walk across it and enjoy the beautiful Pacific. You have to watch out though, it'll give you a good spray (or drenching) if you're not careful!

This is the sweet Harbor Seal, the locals named "Freckles." I'm told she likes to sun herself on this rock almost everyday.

This is poor Freckles getting biffed in the face by a wave. Every time a wave would come by she would raise up her head and tail. It was kind of funny to watch!

Here's a guy who was just totally rocking out to the sounds of the ocean. I love California!