Favorite California Photos

 

I've been going to Southern California for a few days every summer for the past 15 years.  It's a good way to take a break from the intense Arizona heat.  Over those trips, I've taken some photos that have become favorites of mine.  

On my very first visit to the historic Crystal Cove historic district, I spotted the rusted out mailboxes in the top photo.  I'm so glad I snapped this photo back in 2007 because the next time I visited, these old mailboxes were gone.

The photo to the right was also taken at Crystal Cove, this time in 2010.  It features some of the old beach cottages that were preserved at this historic sight.  I love that tree that towers over the cottages.  And, as luck would have it, a bird flew right into the frame at the right moment.

I took this photo back in 2012.  It is a wall that runs along a driveway for a house in Corona Del Mar.  The owner has used some windows and doors from a salvaged submarine to decorate this long wall.

In 2013, I took a harbor cruise and happened to spot this pelican sitting on buoy.  I've tried to get a good photo of the pelicans who fly around the area many times but this is the best one I've gotten.

In 2014, I spied this hummingbird flying around some plants.  I was surprised that I got such a good photo of this tiny bird.  Even those fast moving wings are looking clear.

There is a wonderful little pond full of waterlilies at the place I usually stay and in 2015, the blooms were especially beautiful.  I focused on the colorful center of this one.  

In 2021, this cute little fellow landed on a plant to take a rest.  He was very obliging and posed here for quite a while.  

Just two weeks ago, I took my 2022 California break and once again I took many photos.  This one isn't technically great but, it is just so sweet.  This man and his dog were sitting on a bench and enjoying the ocean view.  Something tells me they love doing things together.  

As I was walking along the path in Heisler Park, this big fellow flew right over my head and landed on a tree branch.  It's either a hawk or possibly a falcon.  Which ever, he stayed put long enough for me to get several photos.