Beach Walk on a hot afternoon

Today was a busy day.  Craig had a dentist appointment this morning and then came home and did some work on an outdoor project. We've been having some beautiful weather, but this afternoon the temperatures were heading toward the 90's and the project was out in the direct sun. Shortly after noon he came in and suggested a trip to the beach.

Although I had already done four miles on my treadmill in the morning, I was up for walking another couple of miles on the New Brighton-Seacliff  beach, which is about four miles south of Santa Cruz, California, and less than twenty miles from our home.

The weather at the beach was perfect.  Sunny and warm with a sweet ocean breeze. There were a lot of families enjoying the sand and surf on a Wednesday afternoon.  

We walked about a mile from where we were parked to the pier that goes out to an old cement ship which is now a bird sanctuary.  

There were several people fishing in the surf and off the side of the pier.

This boy was amazed by the size of his fish. 

Craig enjoyed a moment in the sun.

Retirement is good!

Putting my shoes back on after walking in the sand.  

Craig says he can see a lion face in this big hunk of drift wood.  

I will never tire of seeing the shaggy Eucalyptus trees at this time of the year.  They have such an interesting texture and distinctive aroma.

There were several of these big old trees shading the parking area.

We are so lucky to live in such a beautiful area.  We just have to remember to take the time to enjoy it.