Summer Days

Life around here is slowing down in some ways {no school} and speeding up in others {beach days, a trip to Grandma's, camps}.  It's good. 

Caught In The Net

Tonight as I strolled around the beach, searching for something new to show you, I glanced up and saw the life guard station and Point Loma through this net.  Instant art!

Coronado has been beautiful and sunny, yet there were few people on the beach this evening.

School is out for the summer here in Coronado, and there is a relaxed, playful mood permeating the island.  Hope you're enjoying these long sunny days! 

Pelicans Flock To Coronado

This was the scene at Coronado Beach yesterday; there were oodles of people on our shores trying to cool off and enjoy the sun, when a huge flock of pelicans spotted fish in the shallow water.

To me it looked like pterodactyls were attacking the swimmers, but in reality I don't think the pelicans paid much attention to people when they were focused on catching their fish lunch.

That school of fish must have moved fast, because you could watch the flock of pelicans move down the beach, diving and soaring over the waves.

It's Hot In Coronado

It is hot, hot, HOT in Coronado today!  I walked on the beach for awhile this afternoon before school got out, but unless you are actually in the water it's a little too warm for my taste.

See the rolling hills in the background of this photo?  That's Tijuana, Mexico.  Yes, we are in Southern California!

Coronado Beach At Sunset

The sunset seemed particularly golden tonight, so I ran down to the beach for a photo just before the sun set over Point Loma.

There were still plenty of people out strolling, jogging and playing with their dogs at dog beach.

Today is the last day of Spring Break here in Coronado, so tomorrow life slows back down a bit!

Fishermen at High Tide

These men were fishing yesterday evening at Silver Strand State Beach.  Apparently high tide is a good time to fish... not being a fisherman (fisherwoman?) I'll take their word on it.

Meet Corky the Yorkie

Meet Corky, an adorable Yorkie I met on Silver Strand State Beach this evening.

  Corky has a bit of a a fan club in the Cays.  They call him "the mayor," and in the few minutes I spoke with his human companion, a car driving by honked, waved, and shouted Hi to Corky.

This little guy may be "vertically challenged" but his spirit is impressive.

Morning At The Beach

Mornings can be a little gray at the beach, but luckily there are always walkers, joggers and beach combers around to liven things up!

 Point Loma provides a constant and recognizable backdrop.

Coronado Beach Volleyball

It's Spring Break somewhere, and our beach is full of happy vacationers this week!  I shot this volleyball game while walking down Ocean Boulevard, soaking up the contagious excitement that enthusiastic visitors bring.

It's good to be back home.

Beach Bonfire

What could be say Southern California more than a beach bonfire at sunset?  I shot this last weekend, looking South toward the Hotel Del Coronado and the Shores condominiums.

There is no doubt about it... life is good in Coronado.

Dog Beach At Dusk

Dog Beach was hopping this evening as dusk faded away to night.  Located at the North end of Coronado beach, Dog Beach is the meeting place for friendly dogs of all sizes.

There's a lot of happy energy here, and it's a hoot to watch the little dogs keeping up with the big guys.

Beach Plants

This tough little plant grows on the dunes at Silver Strand State Park.  I don't know what it's called, but I sure admire its tenacity.  How can it grow in the sand, with just salt spray and morning dew to live on?  Amazing.

Go Fly A Kite

This was shot at Silver Strand State Beach about 5:00 this evening.

I was waiting for my son's soccer practice to wrap up at a nearby park when I saw this beautiful kite float over the dune.

It turns out people were practicing their kite flying skills for kitesurfing, a sport I haven't tried but love to watch.

Due to the curve of the California coastline you get a nice view of the Shores condominium complex from here. 

Coronado Beach & Islas Coronado

The beach was alive with joggers this morning when I took this photo, but what I really liked was the clear view of the Coronado Islands (Islas Coronado) in the distance.  You can only see one island in this picture.

Although they appear very close to the U.S., they are actually closer to Mexico, and belong to the Mexican state of Baja California. 

The Islas Coronado are uninhabited aside from a few lighthouse keepers and a small military detachment.

A Beach Bike

When you really look around Coronado, you notice beach bikes everywhere... some luxury models, some utilitarian, but all are useful and beautiful, and part our lifestyle here.

That's Point Loma you see off in the distance in this photo.

The Beach Path

Spanning the width of the beach from the Pacific Ocean to Ocean Blvd, this footpath in the sand originates next to the Hotel Del Coronado.

I shot this yesterday morning while biking along Ocean Blvd, feeling grateful to live in Coronado.

Mr. Seagull

Seagulls are common in Coronado, like every beach town, but I thought this guy looked handsome all by himself in the morning light.

I suppose everything in nature is beautiful when you really look.

Surfer Dude

I tried running on the beach this morning in an effort to get in better shape and it was quite a workout! 

Okay, so I walked for an hour and ran a few times, but running on sand is harder than solid ground, so I'd like to think it counts for more... especially since it's Girl Scout cookie season!  ;-)

The surf was fairly high this morning, and I got these shots of a surfer getting a much better workout than mine.

There was a school of big fish jumping near the shore, but they were too fast for me to photograph.  They may have been porpoise, but I'm not sure.

Days like this I'm happy to live in California!

Playing on Coronado Beach

Here's another picture of our fabulous day on the beach yesterday.

There is something soothing and joyful about spending the day by the oceanside.  Even though we live by the water, we don't find time to just hang out there often enough.

I'm not a new years resolution kind of person, but if I were, I'd resolve to spend many more playful days on this beach!

The Sand Creature

The weather was beautiful today in Coronado, so we headed out to the beach with friends to enjoy the sun and surf.

Just before we left (five hours later) I discovered this sand monster creature left by children.  Isn't he (or she) magnificent?!