Pigeon Point Lighthouse

Our third stop on the Pacific Coast Highway 1 roadtrip leads us to the tallest operating lighthouse on the West Coast, Pigeon Point Lighthouse in Pescadero, California. If your new to this roadtrip we started in Santa Cruz and stopped at Swanton Berry Farm before heading toward the bay area.

Even during the crisp morning hours this lighthouse beckoned us to stop and discover a piece of California's golden history along the jagged coast line. When visiting the West Coast wear layers.

 The lighthouse is currently closed for tours as fundraising efforts are underway for restoration, but there were still plenty of treasures to discover during our visit.

The glass enclosed room at the top of the tower housed a 16 foot tall Fresnel lens weighing in at two tons. The Fresnel lens was dismantled and reassembled in the Fog Signal building . An exterior automated beam still flashes at 10 second intervals.

 French designer Augustin Jean Fresnel handcrafted 1008 brass framed lenses and prisms that concentrate light up to 24 miles. This reminds me of the Wonkavator that shoots through the roof of the factory.

 A clockwork mechanism rotates the panels producing a light flash every 10 seconds. The light prisms are stacked vertically to form two dozen nine and a half tall panels on a circular frame. The docents on the grounds are really informative and have a way of taking you back into mariner history.

 Pigeon Point has a Hostel lodging option. Imagine sitting in a hot tub looking out at these coastal views. I wouldn't mind staying here if I could convince the Renaissance man of shared restroom and kitchen quarters with other guest.

Pigeon Point was originally named Whale Point due to the grey whale migration to the area. In June of 1853 a clipper ship on her maiden voyage named Carrier Pigeon crashed on fog covered rocks and the point was renamed Pigeon Point.

 This grey whale skull was amazing to photograph,  puts in prospective how massive these sea beauties are. We are really small fish in a big pond so to speak.

 I kept my eye on the ocean in hopes of glimpsing a pod traveling by. Lush ice plants and moss lining the bluffs paints a poetic memory in my mind, I can still smell the salt infused air.

 A mother and her pups relaxed on a bed of kelp without a care in the world.

Kelp that reminds me of mini palm trees swaying in the breeze. Pigeon Point Lighthouse is a must stop for sure if your coasting by. Next stop on the roadtrip will have you living on the edge.

Swanton Berry Farm

 Next stop on our California Pacific Coast Highway 1 roadtrip was getting our jam on in Davenport, California, a quick pit stop to a quint U-Pick berry farm and mercantile.

Inside the sheltered farm stand you can sample a variety of  jams and purchase homemade goodness such as pies, shortcakes, cider, and lemonades to name a few.

 A beautiful picnic area among the nopales ripe with tunas is the perfect place to enjoy a treat or rest your feet after picking your own strawberries from the field.

 We did not pick our own berries that day, it was early in the morning and the coastal wind was whipping a chill through my bones. If you would like to experience Swanton Berry Farm for yourself there open everyday from 8 a.m - 7 p.m. at 25 Swanton Rd. Davenport, C.A. 95017

 So on the road again we go in search of a lighthouse to lead the way to a town with a fishy name. Did you miss the first stop of the roadtrip? The beginning can be found here {Let's Go On A Roadtrip.}

Let's Go On A Roadtrip California's Pacific Coast Highway 1

Let's take a trip back in time to Mother's Day weekend. The family took me to my favorite little beach town Santa Cruz California. Saturday's weather was perfect Cali sunshine to go on rides, stroll the beach, and indulge in treats for our sweet tooth. The next day I woke up with the wild idea to do something I've been wanting to do as a teen...... cruise Pacific Coast Highway 1.  Turns out the tribe agreed this would be a fine way to spend a Sunday and off we drove. Come along on this journey and enjoy some of California's Gold down Coastal Highway 1. I was channeling my inner Huell Howser right there, now ain't that amazing!

The start off point of this trip is from West Cliff  Drive Santa Cruz, California. I was thrilled to finally snap a photo of the famous "To Honor Surfers Monument", which brings in mind to honor Jack O'Niell the pioneer of the wetsuit and the O'Niell surf brand who recently passed away on Friday.  West Cliff drive loops around with scenic coast line to the  left and majestic coastal homes to the right. 

 How is that for some ocean front homes! I love the diversity in the structures of these homes and the natural materials used.

So where does this road lead to? You will have to wait and see in my next installment of the roadtrip. Here's a hint it involves fruit.

Picture Poll

Can I ask a  small favor from you dear readers of mine, it will be painless I swear. I wanted to know if you could help me pick a picture to submit to a magazine contest. " I got as much chance as anybody else, right Grandpa Joe?" If you got that last phrase we are kindred spirits. This Gypsy has been on the road and shooting everything in site {with my Canon of course }, which I will share with you once all the home and school activities lull into summer break ....oh yeah it's almost here. Until then help a Mama out because I cannot decide which photo to summit and time is of the essence. Without further ado please pick a pic.

 1.  Pigeon Point Of View

2.  The Edge Of Earth

 3.  Bunker Hill On Devil's Slide

 4. Getting Around The City

 5. Cable Cars Of San Francisco

 6.  A Day In The Bay

Thanks in advance!

Gypsy By The Sea

Here in Northern California it has been non stop rain for over a week. As I sit curled up in a warm cozy blanket with an era transcending book, sipping on aromatic tea, my mind wanders to sun kissed days filled with salty sea air. For now I must wait for the seasons to change and travel opportunities to arise.

 Recently I was asked to share a vision of my dream living room. The above collection  reflects the textures, tones and elements that are natures beauty of the coast. Hathi gold beaded pillows are the perfect bohemi element to add to any sofa or to make a cushy back to the antique cream iron chair. Imagine the sun glistening off the Taza hanging pendant during the day and at night a warm glow illuminates the wall. A river stone bowl is perfect for holding your treasures, coins, or perhaps for burning cone incense. What a swirl of sand and water this Zara Tibetan rug brings to mind. The bleached root coffee table brings the outdoor zen inside, a perfect way to stay rooted and connected to the world outside your home. This living room vision speaks to me as being a

Gypsy By The Sea

 All these furnishings and more can be found  at ARHAUS.

Ocean Photo Credit: Natural Bridges State Beach, Santa Cruz California. Taken last summer on one of my seascape escapes,

Natural Bridges State Beach

Natural Bridges State Beach in Santa Cruz California is one of my favorite new beaches I discovered this summer. The drive down West Cliff  from the Boardwalk is full of majestic landscapes and an array of luxury homes. Once you get to the beach there are tide pools to explore to the right of the main beach. Another sight to behold is the Monarchs over-wintering habitat in the nearby Eucalyptus grove. The butterflies start their return in October and so do we. Turns out we are still going to the 150th Boardwalk birthday celebration after all, and I'll have my camera ready to capture the beauty of the Mariposas.

Brighton Beach ~ Bolinas

Each beach I visit has certain charm and experience attached to it. I'm way behind in sharing my oceanic photos from the West Coast beaches I visit, so this week I take you back to the beach. These moments in the sand and sun are from Brighton Beach Bolinas, California.

There is a consistant marine layer here, Bolinas is situated in a lagoon of the Pacific Coast. The air is so fresh and salty that my nose was draining all day, it was very therapuetic. When coming down to the beach past the Brighton art walls you can go either right or left. Here is the view to the left, were we decided to chill for the day.

 Here is a view to the right. There are a few steps that lead to a small overlook . You must get on the beach before hightide or you can't, same goes for when you want to leave.

We found a perfect spot to set up camp, complete with a teepee of all things! Wow we were amused to find such a structure to enjoy. The view up the hill behind us held another treasure.

Does this look familiar? A huge peace sign just hanging there as if to say "hey has this trip brought you the peace your were seeking"? A resounding yes leaped from my soul.

Another awesome beach structure. This hut is big enough to fit a small adult and is perfect little hide out for kids. The entrance was lined on both sides with drift wood.

 This is a beachcombers paradise. The variety of rocks and shells that get swept to shore are so diverse. Rocks in all shapes and sizes were smoothly tumbled, and some had perfect holes worn into them. We found pumice and some beach glass also.

 The girls looking for shells and heart shaped rocks. I'll have to admit we did take home a collection of sea treasures, besides the memories made here.

 More exploration on the "Groin". Off in the distance behind the fog you can spy the Stinson Beach Community.

In architecture the term groin refers to the projecting curved line along where two insecting vaults meet. Good to know so the surfers don't approach the slab underneath.

 Along the groin these two young surfers were swimming then scooping up something wiggly with there hands. As I approached I asked if I could take a photo.

 Handful of sand crabs. This photo doesn't do this moment justice these were crawling quickly like scattering scarabs in "The Mummy". Kinda creepy and cool at the same time.

Speaking of surfing I was amazed at all the "Grommets" (surfer slang for young surfer) out surfing without a care in the world. It was as if the parents waved goodbye from their bungalows and yelled " honey have a great surf ,come home before dinner" type of life. 

 Despite the sign,  I did not witness any naked surfing. Maybe this is a naked surfing spot but we were there on a Tuesday. Sometimes the photographer has to have a photo op.

 Before we packed up for the day {M} had to play in the epic sand pit. All day kids came and went shoveling sand and playing out adventures.

Summer is dwindling down which means beach visits will give way to crisp days in other nature settings. I honestly need the beach! To me the beach is were I throw all my worries and stress out to the sea, and then rejuvenate with all the elemental magic the water and sand have to offer. In the next post I will share another wonderful beach spot. This weekend brings dreams come true, {S} is turning 16 soon and wishes to celebrate in Santa Cruz, so I'm off to be a beach bum once again before it's time for sweaters and boots.