Sacramento is located 2 hours from the Northern coast, and during the hot summer days this is a welcome relief. This location takes a bit longer (about 5-6 hours). The central and northern coastal beaches are beautiful, rugged and cool.
The fog is dense. Feels like cool misty rain.
We drive north on Highway 1 from Cambria, and about 4-5 miles north of Hearst Castle and come to Piedras Blancas Rookery. This is a most amazing place.
Elephant seal line the shore, take over the beach.
The seals started coming to this beach in 1992 when one pup was born. In 2016 5300 were born. There are always some seals here, and we arrive at a time when the seals are molting. Shedding and growing a new skin layer. When at the rookery the animals fast, and they conserve their energy. No eating or drinking at the Rookery.
Different colors represent molting stages
“Make way. I’m coming through!”“Don’t mind me. Just out for a stroll!”Young juvenile males sparring on the beach. Sparring at the shoreline the juveniles are playing. This time it is not serious.
Males sparring in the oceanTime to cover up.I’ll just quietly make my way down the beach.Do you mind if I get some sand on you?Love the way I captured the sand motion.A docent from Friends of the Elephant Seals provides information. Docents train for 20 hours and commit to 4 three hour shifts a month.
Male elephant seals develop their distinctive nose (Proboscis) after they mature at 5 years. The nose is part of their status during the breeding season.
At peace. Able to get a good view from a safe distance. I am using a 150mm lens. Equivalent to 300mm since this is my Olympus OMD E5 camera. Pictures are not cropped.All quiet on the Central Coast of California
One of the best parts of this experience is that there is no fee. Plenty of parking, easy access, wheelchair accessible, knowledgeable guides, no reservations, and the ability to safely watch these magnificent animals. WOW!!!
Amazing place. Elephant Seal Rookery now covers two beaches. Docent will point out best spot if they see you are a photographer!
For more information follow my links provided above. You can even watch the elephant seals be web cam.
It’s been a while since my husband and I got away. So when my grandson was off on a Tuesday we headed out. First we voted. David got to the voting place and was first on line. All seemed in order, except there were no ballots. Straightened out quickly, and off we went.
Heading west, we made our usual stop at the Vallejo Rest Stop.
Then the GPS guided us to the Lands End Lookout. This is the site of the Sutro Baths. The Visitor Center is worth seeing. As a photographer, the old images were amazing. The building is designed for good viewing. I found out that the climate is usually very different from other parts of the city. It is windy, cloudy and misty. Sacramento hit the 100 degree mark a couple of times this past week. What a change, and to think we just traveled two hours.
Land’s End Visitor CenterRuins of the Sutro BathsI love how the colors cling to the cliff
Next time I will follow the path down to the Baths and explore the caves.
This image was taken with my new Panasonic LUMIX zs50
More flowers leading to the Sutro Baths
This trip I used some lighter gear. I brought my 4/3 mirrorless Olympus OMD-E5. I mainly used my 12-50mm lens, and my 75mm 1.8 lens. I also brought along my newest toy, the Panasonic Lumix ZS50. I purchased this super zoom point & shoot from Costco. Light and easy to use, and I wanted to see what kind of images I could get on mainly auto/ aperture and program modes.
SOme depth of field seen here Not bad at all.
The box says it is a compact travel camera. I want to be able to hand the camera to someone so that I can get in the picture, sometimes. Also, this was a getaway, and not a photoshoot with my photo buddies.
Parking was super easy, and free. Much to my surprise. We headed to the Cliff House for a different view of the Sutro Baths. There are a couple of eateries that take advantage of the great views, but we didn’t partake.
Historic Cliff HouseHome of Camera ObscuraInteresting, but it was closed this Tuesday. Next time!Ocean Beach with no sun bathers
Just a lonely fisherman.
Captured this image with my super zoom
We were getting hungry so we headed to our next destination, Pier 23 Cafe off the Embarcadero. Diners, Drive Ins and Dives visited this place and David wanted to try it, though he could not remember what Guy ate. The clam chowder was tasty. We ordered the SF Crab and Shrimp sandwich to share. Did I say we were hungry? Sandwich was good, but the crab and shrimp could have been more flavorful.
Just H2O. Dined outside, in the shade.
This place is Dog Friendly.
VIsiting pooch
Rested, we walked up to Pier 39 to hang out at Fisherman’s Wharf. Lots to see. Lots to photograph.
Good name for this eateryPier 39 Fisherman’s WharfImagine a whole shop for Left-Handed people
I found a shop called Bow Wow and had to check it out. LOoked hard, and even found Schnoodle Wear!
Cartoonist trying to capture this familyScene from Forest GumpAhh! Huddling together.
I’m impressed with this new camera.
Now that is one hungry person!I prefer Ben & Jerry’s. We indulged.
Walking along the Embarcadero we were entertained.
Spray paint artist creates scene of San FranciscoMusician plays a melodic tune
Walked a lot. Now tired, our day away was over. Unfortunately, we should have paid more attention to the time, and avoid getting stuck in traffic. CAught some images while stuck in rush hour traffic.
1968 PlymouthAmusing License Plate and no tail fins!
David came prepared with 3 discs full of surf music. So we surfed on home to Sacramento. Fun day!
I don’t always have enough time to grab that perfect shot when it comes to family photographs. I really don’t know why. When I got married photographs were mostly taken when we went places, or during noted events. When I started my family I remember getting a simple Kodak camera. We took one roll of film, and returned the camera because I didn’t like the results. My next camera was a point and shoot Fuji and I was satisfied with the pictures. I paid attention to the limitations of the camera and usually shot in natural light. I kept the subject simple and focused on my family. With my family I am part of the interaction, and I take mostly snapshots. But I try to keep my wits about me and focus on keeping the photo sessions short and fun for all.
Smiling, happy babyGetting ready to throw his ballHappy four month oldNot another photograph. Ema put away the camera.Two happy brothers
Needs of the baby changes so quickly.
Eli doesn’t quite know why the sad face. Probably ready to eat!
And a few more weeks and Lucas is flipping over, and holding himself up for a 5 month pose.
Lucas can flip himself over!5 month old and holding steadyEli tries to fit into Papa’s hatAlyssa taking care of Lucas
Looking at all these photos I am reminded that my pets are needing some camera time. Got to get to it.
The move to my Nikon N80 film camera, and then to digital DSLR has taken my focus away from documenting family exclusively. When I pick up my camera I use it to explore my surroundings. I use it to help me relax. I use it to connect with other photographers. I use it to share my thoughts. My perspective is one of observer. I try to create artistic renditions of the world around me.
So what do I do with all the images that I take? My Facebook friends, my Flickr site, and emails replace the family album. There is still something special about looking through albums, but some of my albums are falling apart. Never got into the family photos on the walls. Now I scrapbook with a focus on both family, and documenting my photo journey. A Photo’s Worth is another outlet for me. What do you do with your photographs?
The following still life, landscapes, and animal images are a sample of what now hangs in my room. I am collecting more photos every week. Feels great!
Nicki’s SilverWash Day CompanySea Gull Stands GuardPeekingMono Lake at Sunset
With my Camera Totin’ Tuesday group and growing grandchildren I will soon have another group of photographs to share on my wall, with my friends, and with fellow enjoyers of all things photographic.
Camera Totin’ Tuesdays stayed close to Sacramento this time. The winter rain filled the reservoirs and the American River is running fast. Headed out looking for some waterfalls. With the recent rain the Salmon Falls Trail was under water. So we found another interesting path that overlooked the river. No waterfalls photographed today.
Not the Salmon Falls Trail overlooking American RiverViewing the American River from Not the Salmon Falls Trail
Puffy white clouds add interest to these photographs.
Pulled out my Macro lens for some close-up shots.
Macro view of Pine Cone
Use a shallow DOF (depth of field) for this picture.
Flower blossoms
Traveled on to check out the American River from another location.
American River in early SpringGreat cloudsButterfly stops for a sipLove in the afternoon
I’m not so sure everyone would agree with this sign. But for me, “Safety first!”
Interesting sign found in Folsom Historic District
The last three weeks I have been photographically very busy. Using Shutterfly.com, I created a story book using some of my photographs. Just got the book, and now I am already thinking of my next project. Then along with the weekly Tuesday trips, I took a short trip out of town to emerse myself in Sonora, a local area about 2 hours from Sacramento. This past weekend the California coast at Bodega Bay called my name. So many new images to review, edit and include in my blog. Sorry for the delay, but good things are coming!
I’m positive that being busy is just what I need. I feel productive, and energized. It also helps me appreciate all the people and places that surround me. Today is a more quiet day at home. My dog Libby is getting a bit of overdue attention. I will pick up my granddaughter from school and we get to spend some time together. And dinner will not be a last minute decision.
A Photo's Worth 