Enjoying California
As you know, in Phoenix, it is nearly impossible to do anything outside due to the summer heat. During our recent trip to California, I could not wait to get outdoors and enjoy the beautiful temperate climate and the sweet ocean breezes.
I was born and raise on the East Coast and I believe that each ocean has its own smell. The Pacific has a more subtle fragrance~~an intoxicating combination of salt and sand and less moist than the Atlantic.
My husband and I took a long, circuitous walk to the beach~~exploring the hotel property and capturing pictures of the various flowers and foliage.
The shots of the beach are from Crystal Cove State Park, one of my favorite beaches (and featured in the movie, Treasure Island 1918 and Beaches 1988). The resort is Marriott’s Newport Coast Villas.
Usually, within 3 days of being near the ocean, I begin to finally relax. But this year, it’s not happening as quickly as I would like. I’ve tried exercising, staring at the ocean, appreciating each and every flower I see, but I cannot seem to settle in. I’m not sure why but I am hoping that writing this blog post will help sort out some of the cobwebs.
The property is beautifully landscaped, with an abundance of flowers, textures and colors.
There are many places to sit and enjoy the view.
Nestled in a bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean, the resort is designed like a Mediterranean villa. There are numerous fountains and abundance of tiled roofs.
This is the view from the main lobby overlooking one of three pools on the property.
They have fountains and ponds with Koi fish and lily pads.
We have been coming here nearly every summer for the last several years. The children bring friends and love the proximity of the beach. It is such a beautiful place!
It is hard to believe the last few days of summer are wrapping up. School begins SO early in Phoenix~~August 7th. No one is looking forward to the end of summer and the beginning of the back to school routine, but it happens every year.
Life goes on, doesn’t it?
