February is Festival Month at my house. We kick it off on Valentine’s Day for obvious reasons; then it’s my birthday (17), wedding anniversary (23), and hubby’s birthday (26). We try to get in a vacation somewhere during this two-week span, in part because prices tend to be cheaper when you’re talking travel.
Four years ago, we came up to Cambria for a week. Rented a sweet little artist’s cottage for much less than it would cost to stay in a hotel, and we made it our base of operations as we explored the coastal areas (Morro Bay to the south and beachy areas to the north) and Paso Robles wine country. So obviously it was time to come back. One of the things we love to do is take photos, so sit back and enjoy!
Morning, 2-15-2014 – Marina Terrace, Cambria
Fabulous place to sit and watch the sea. A great spot to rest during the long Fiscalini Ranch walk.
Sea anemone happy in water. 2-15-14
Waiting for the tide to come in.
Crane! And seaweed. Lots and lots of it. 2-15-14
Moonset at Sunrise, 2-16-14
The above is one of my favorite shots ever. Tom had woken up around 6am and was racing to get his clothes on and find his camera. I stumbled after him, even sacrificing having my first cup of coffee to get to the ocean on time. We barely made it.
Sunrise through the trees. The sky was just starting to turn pink.
But the hassle was so worth it. This is part of the Lampton preserve, all fenced off. Also in the Marina Terrace section of town.
After breakfast, we headed north up Highway 1 to Piedras Blancas, a beach that is also an Elephant Seal preserve. December to March is when they come to this beach, give birth, and start the mating rituals all over again. They are noisy, sweet, funny and aggressive animals and always worth an hour or two. Or three.
A female elephant seal, scratching her chin.
These animals are amazing.
It’s almost always naptime. 2-16-14
It was time to head back toward Cambria, but the ocean sparkled so that we stopped a couple times to take photos.
Bird rock. Because birds. 2-16-14
And then to add to the animal theme…zebras. Yes, zebras.
These zebras are on the Hearst Castle property, and my bet is they are a part of the original menagerie Hearst had kept.
And Hearst Castle…from a distance.
Hearst Castle, as seen from Highway 1. Zebras are off to my right. 2-16-14
It was a lovely day. We went back into town, shopped a bit, had lunch at Robin’s (YUMMY!), went home and napped. Then it was almost sunset, and we had to hit the beach again.
Sunset, 2-16-14
So far this weekend has been magical. Today is my birthday, and we’ll have a slow transition from vacation to home (and taxes). This was the break I needed! If you get the chance, come to Cambria. You won’t regret it.
)O(
So, what is one of your favorite, close-to-you and relatively inexpensive vacation spots?
Lovely pictures!
We’ve had many lovely vacations in Ogunquit, ME–another gorgeous oceanfront area, but alas, without elephant seals and wineries.
Ah well, Teresa, each coast has it’s own charms. I’d love to vacation on the east coast – some day!
You’re a really good photographer! When you get back please let me know where you stayed. I’d love to take Al there for his big 6-0 in March if we can scrimp a bit more for it.
You got it!
and it’s all so magical….. your photos are grand!! Thanks!!
My pleasure!
Ken proposed to me on the beach in Cambria, so I’m quite fond of the place. 🙂
LOL! I knew I felt romance all around me, Dayle!
I need to go back. I love Cambria. I have no extra vacation time this year, but am going to have to get your information on the artists cottage because next year I am there!
It’s lovely, it really is. I’d love to do a writer’s retreat up in Cambria for a long weekend – wouldn’t that be fun?
I could smell these pictures. Thanks for taking them and sharing.
My pleasure!
Beautiful pictures. Your “crane” is a Snowy Egret. They’re not that big and the feathers off the back of its head, black bill and black legs are the key. The Great Egret looks somewhat like a Great Blue Heron, but has a yellow bill and yellow legs (and is about 3′ tall). Looks like it was a wonderful time!!