My bungalo is thirty miles from the ocean. Although that sounds far, on the 405 South it is a fast and convenient trip. (As long as you drive during off peak times.)
Yesterday I took Jacques to Fisherman's Village, and discovered a new bike path. It led us into Toe Beach, which is quiet, unpopulated and magnificent. You could feel how excited everyone was to be there. From the accents I heard, it sounded like many of the visitors were tourists from Europe. They were beautifully dressed and polite. I smiled at the women I passed while parking my bicycle and entering the public restroom. I could feel that they perceived I was a local. I remember the chills I got on my first road trip to Santa Monica beach as a teenager. I was a babysitter traveling with a family. I knew then that I intended to live here someday.
It can be much cheaper to live a short drive from the ocean. Beach houses are extremely pricey. There also is the issue of privacy. I am so glad that I kept my first home for my old age. It has plenty of parking, is close to the freeway, and is in a perfect area for bicycling. Our bike paths on the west coast are thrilling. The weather has been sunny and warm. How fortunate we are to live in California.
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California always sounds so warm, sunny and laid back. I bet it's a wonderful place to live.
ReplyDeleteYou describe the beach areas perfectly, Cherie. Seeing that wide expanse of blue water just does something healing to everyone. I love living here, always have.
ReplyDeleteIt sounds to be beautiful! I know how a little sun here can lift the spirits and don't we all need that right now. God bless x
ReplyDeleteYes, sunshine is so uplifting, PP. I love the way it makes the water sparkle.
ReplyDeleteI love reading about how often you go down to the beach, Stephenie. I haven't been to the beach in a long time.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Bless. It is the main reason that I moved to LA. I didn't get there when I was busy working, but now I have the time. It's fantastic, never fails to energize and inspire me.
DeleteLiving by the ocean, I so agree with you that's it's so healing. In Auckland, New Zealand, we are never far from ocean or harbour beaches. I think that we are very privileged to be in this situation.
ReplyDeleteThat's wonderful, ratnamurti. Location has a huge effect on our well being. Our choices create our future.
DeleteIt sounds absolutely delightful - I love your entries about your lovely home and the area.
ReplyDeletexx
Thank you, Joy. I appreciate this area more and more as I continue to explore it.
DeleteToe Beach sounds perfect. I love seeing the tourists come back. Now I think I will arrange a trip to the coast! It is about 5 miles as the crow flies, but about 20 miles to drive to the nearest beach (Del Mar).
ReplyDeleteIt's really quiet and unpopulated, Anita. I had a picnic there, and watched the waves crashing to the shore. It's a hidden gem. The bike path makes it really exciting.
DeleteYour upcoming adventures sound perfect, Anita.
DeleteSounds like a wonderful place to live.
ReplyDeleteIt really is, mm. I am so much happier here when I visit the ocean regularly.
DeleteIt sounds wonderful, Stephenie. :)
ReplyDeleteThanks, Nil. Hope all is well with you.
ReplyDeleteI understand your desire to be near the beach in your retirement. It sounds great!
ReplyDeleteI just love it. It's a beautiful drive and I feel so fortunate to have the time and energy to go. The beach cruiser is so much fun along the bike path.
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