Tuesday, August 9, 2011

SeaCliff Beach Vacation

Never a bad day at the beach! Especially when it's SeaCliff State Beach near Santa Cruz, CA.  Marine layer (aka fog) burned off at about 1:30 pm.  Brilliant sunshine softened with a breeze. Ebb and flow of humanity, but not crowded.



Relaxing in the sand
Finally on vacation


Beach Time for Ma & Pa

Sun, Sea & Sand (some people too)
 In addition to the beach,there were lots of active wildlife...Pelicans, seagulls, seals, dolphins...

Pelican Air Patrol

Seal friend

Moon over Rio del Mar--end to a perfect day at the beach




Thursday, August 4, 2011

Langeland's Loft July 2011

Mountain Forest Vacation
Our Home away from Home for a few days...
Alpenlite Site

Our site is part of Calaveras Timber Trails, located near Calaveras Big Trees State Park in CA.

TImber Trails Park


We enjoy our time in the "screen room" gazebo adjacent 
to the Alpenlite.
Welcome to our get-a-way in the mountains


The forest is such a magical place--great for R & R...

...and for family. 
Nice to have our dear family together!

John, Ally, and fur kids Bonnie & Bella

Ryan, Melissa, and fur kid Arden the Dog



Auntie Mel Mel and the fur nieces

Arden the Dog lays it all out

Meanwhile, up at Lake Alpine..


Lounging in the snow in late July

Love the lake and the view
Dog campers


Later...     
Exploring California Caverns near Mountain    
                                    House, CA
Actually the EXIT

 Spelunkers Two

Marblelicious
The sights were grand and the temp was a cool 53 degrees--perfect escape from the near 100 degree heat at the surface.

Happy Cavers

Later that week, we drove east on Hwy 4 from our base camp near Avery... 

Scenic Overlook up Hwy 4
Happy times with Ma & Pa

Doggies with their Peeps
Took a side adventure south of Hwy 4, and discovered a beautiful mountain lake, nice Forest Service campground and day use area.

Spicer Meadow Reservoir
Below the dam was a lovely meadow with Highland Creek meandering through it.
Jody on the Highland Creek bridge

Beautiful Highland Creek below Spicer Dam

Dam Bridge

We searched the byway for the infamous WHALE ROCK.

Finally found it!
Humans apparently have a thing for "decorating" nature...
See ya next time