This weekend the DH and I went in search of a cool breeze and a respite from the heat here in Sac-town. It was going to be 108 degrees at our house on Saturday - so in order to escape, we got in the car, got a Starbucks, and headed west! When we pulled out of the driveway just before 7am it was already 78 degrees here. Oy. We had no plan, nothing to do, no time schedule....just one goal...beat the heat!
At first we headed to Berkeley...still hot there...next on to San Francisco...still hot there too...so we kept on driving west and south. We stopped in Pacifica to visit with one of my dearest friends for a little while and then went on to our end destination - Half Moon Bay! Where, as the afternoon went on, it reached a lovely 55 degrees! Goal achieved! I love the smell and feel of the ocean and the fog. (As a follow up note, when we got home around midnight it was STILL 90 degrees...blah!)
I used to live in Half Moon Bay right after I graduated from college and I love that little town. It has a lot of memories for me. They had built a Ritz Carlton Hotel right on the ocean's edge a few years back and I really wanted to see it. So we pulled in there and walked the grounds for a while. Oh My! That is how the other half (not our half) lives! It was gorgeous and the setting was magnificent! I thought I would share some of my photos with you from Saturday - maybe you need a little cool off too? Hope you enjoy them!
This first picture is looking south on Highway 1 right before Pacifica
This is part of the golf course and grounds that are part of the Ritz Carlton. I think this might be my favorite shot from the day. Those crashing waves never get old.
If you look closely in this photo you can see a flock of pelicans (isn't that a band? LOL)... They kind of freaked me out. They came swooping down right over us! I'd never even seen a pelican fly before! They're huge too.
Some of the pretty flowers on the grounds.
Some native California iceplant baking in the sun...
The Ritz Carlton Half Moon Bay...so majestic up on the bluff like that.
This was so random...a bagpiper! I'm not sure if he was getting ready for a wedding or if he's there every day??? What the heck? The music was so haunting and beautiful though. That was neat!
Nope, that's not Tiger Woods! He was down the road about 20 miles at the Olympic Club that day! Hahaha. The golf course is amazing here.
And so the sun sets on our beautiful day...
Thanks for looking! Sometimes it's nice to post some photos instead of a card! Have a wonderful day everyone!
Your pics are absolutely gorgeous! I need lessons!!
Posted by: Natalie | 06/22/2012 at 07:30 AM
What gorgeous photographs, Wanda! Your favorite picture is my favorite of the day too! It's only been around 92 degrees here lately...lol! Stay cool, my Friend! :D
Posted by: Kimberly Gajewski | 06/21/2012 at 12:51 PM
What a beautiful day you had! It's been SO many years since I've been in Half Moon Bay. I know I wouldn't recognize it at all anymore! But Pacifica...that place holds a very special spot in my heart. I used to work as a park ranger there at San Pedro Valley Park. Some of my most happiest memories! Thanks so much for sharing all these gorgeous photos, my friend! And I'm SO looking forward to seeing you! You need to let me know what works best for your schedule. I've got an event this weekend, but am pretty much totally free after that. So just let me know!
Posted by: audreypettit | 06/21/2012 at 11:53 AM
What beautiful pictures Wanda! I always love when you post them!
Posted by: Jodi | 06/21/2012 at 06:44 AM
Hi Wanda - Always such a treat when you post your amazing photos for us - I love the views you capture!!!!! Amazing you could drive into such a huge temp. change - fun!!!! TFS & talk to you soon!!!
Posted by: Peg Parsons | 06/19/2012 at 07:08 PM
GORGEOUS! The west coast is very distinctive from the east. It's more rocky with drops right into the ocean. Here...incredible sand dunes. Love your photos!
Posted by: Kathy Martin | 06/19/2012 at 12:59 PM
It surely has been hot lately, hasn't it? I mean outside; inside it has been the usual overly refrigerated office it always is. Jacket for the office; bikini for the drive home. Love, love the pictures of the crashing waves. I swear I could even hear them!!
Posted by: Princess Judy | 06/19/2012 at 08:57 AM
Beautiful pictures - thank you for sharing.
Posted by: Katrina | 06/19/2012 at 08:26 AM
What fantastic pictures! I really couldn't pickl a favorite, they are all wonderful to look at! Thank you for sharing...
Posted by: Fonda Jo | 06/19/2012 at 07:43 AM
Loved your pictures. I feel cooler all ready. We are going to the ocean right after the fourth and iI can hardly wait.
Posted by: Louise | 06/19/2012 at 07:33 AM
Wanda,
These are beautiful pictures and I've been to half moon bay and it is SOOO beautiful and nice and cool. I had a business trip that included San Jose and then on to Asia so I had a weekend free in CA. I stayed right in Half moon bay for two nights and just loved it. The ocean is so powerful and yet peaceful. How nice that you and your DH got to spend the day.
Posted by: Linda Monroe | 06/19/2012 at 06:16 AM
Gorgeous photos.. wow! yes.. the waves crashing.. I love the sound and smell of the ocean. Maybe when Kevin gets back we can plan a trip. The Ritz.. wow.. just gorgeous and the golf course! I giggled at the random bagpiper.. how odd Lol He's so adorable though! And what a sunset!
Sounds like you had a great day.. AND beat the heat.. Awesome!
Posted by: Susan Martin | 06/19/2012 at 04:45 AM
STUNNINGLY gorgeous photo's wished i could have been there too...its so beautiful in your part of the world...love the sea and ocean!
Posted by: Holly Saveur | 06/19/2012 at 03:07 AM