Missions and La Playa

Missions • Long overdue on my to-do list was stepping into California's founding history via its remarkable Missions. Walking through their well-landscaped inner courtyards, their frescoed inner sanctums and churches, their impressive museums filled with noteworthy paintings, sculptures, and both Spanish and Native American artifacts; I marveled at this important period in the state's history. The small towns where they are located still vibrate with a calming gentle pace of days gone by - some catering to the tourist throngs, some moving more slowly as though on hold from today's brisk pace.

Ojai • Ventura • Carpinteria • Los Olivos • Pismo Beach • San Luis Obispo • Santa Barbara

- Let me take you on a detour -

• Mission Santa Barbara •

 • Mission Santa Ines • 

 • Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa •

 • Mission San Buenaventura •

Playas • I am not much a beach person. I do not usually linger there. I was smitten this time. Shorelines went on forever. The soft hues of the light made geometric patterns in soft shades of pale creams and faded grays and soft taupes; each pattern caressed by the slow moving ripples of the surf. The morning fog had wrapped the sky as the palm trees stood proud against it. 

• Pismo Beach •

• Carpinteria State Beach •

• Central Valley Twilight •

    Heading back north, the evening sky twirled and twirled away - it was out of this world.

I have been plotting in my mind the next time I go south - most likely a return along the Pacific Highway via Carmel, Monterey, Pacific Grove, Morro Bay, Big Sur, Cambria... 

For now, I stayed a bit closer to home - stay tuned for my latest weekend up the coast to Dry Creek Valley and Alexander Valley - in our turbulent world, these getaways are simply so good for the soul.

Enjoy as always ~ Adeline

A Castle In The Air

As I mentioned in my previous post, I have tell you about this sweet treasure up on the California coast. I love it when a place grabs every little bit of my aesthetic sensibilities, as though someone out there knew I would come to them, and they had created this haven purposely for me to cross its path.

This sweet gem is along the Navarro River not too far from the Mendocino coast - a remodeled water tower so cleverly re-purposed for hosting guests. The water is still above, but the interior is now pure white, pure bliss, and pure calm. My partner and I were charmed. I could have stayed in all day. There was a coolness to the air on that late spring weekend. There were delicious cubes of zucchini bread left by our delightful hosts Elsa and Robert. There was a celebratory anniversary bloom. There was angelic music. There was candlelight.  There was a loft for a peaceful night or two. There was such creativity. There was uniqueness. There I was. There we were.

I find myself seeking the unusually serene in the world around me. I notice how I gravitate to quiet clean line spaces. I notice how I love the 'negative' space in a big wide expanse; a term often used back in my days at the San Francisco Art Institute in my various photography classes.

This unique space knocked on the door of my days when I was searching for a tucked away treasure on Airbnb. Lucky me. That coastline beckons.

I return to the area next week. In this wild world of ours there is no doubt a healing getaway is so good for the soul...

Happy escapades ~ Enjoy as always, Adeline

Mendocino County - Springtime on the edge of the ocean

Little River, Big River, Mendocino, Elk, Van Damme, Navarro, Russian Gulch, Cabrillo, Caspar; the list of names goes on... Inviting small towns, historical lighthouses, rugged cliffs and giant Redwood State Parks hug the beautiful northern California coast with scenic wonder at every turn.

It was late April when I ventured back along that magical coast I treasure. We had rented a charming water tower (stay tuned for next blog!) for a few nights along the Navarro River. The magnificence of the redwood forests wrapped us in its fold. The meandering coast greated us with open arms. 

Spring had sprung with faint traces of winter still hoping to cling on. The morning chill was in the air no doubt; the afternoon winds did not let up; the sun's rays desperately wanted to warm the land. I noticed and loved how wild flowers - pink ones at that - lined the edges of the cliffs.

The lazy pace we had opted for that week out of town was a celebration in itself. Here we were taking the sights yet again. The wineries of the Anderson Valley beckoned. Picnic treats and bold sunsets did not disappoint. At Wild Fish, a tiny restaurant easily missed in tinier Little River, we were treated to blackened halibut tacos with spicy cabbage slaw, and Thai fish cakes with watermelon radish salad... Need I say more!

I obviously cannot get enough, as my next trip is just two months away, and back to that northern area I shall return! There is a newly opened trail along the bluffs just north of Mendocino - shall get new hiking shoes  - a must - and off we go, because it is simply so good for the soul...

Enjoy as always, Adeline