Salty Memories of Balboa

The temperature dropped twenty degrees in the last 24 hours.  I didn’t expect Spring like temperatures to continue through the end of January.  It is still Winter and one should never get their hopes up until March when sun deprivation kicks in and wishful thinking feels like a matter of life or death. I’m not there yet, but I did think back to my last trip in the Fall to Newport Beach, CA.  I say Newport Beach but actually I spent most of my time on Balboa Island.  I went there to see some relatives and say hello to the Pacific.  It had been a few years since I smelled the warm salty air.

I did a lot of walking once I got to Balboa.  It wasn’t that far from my hotel and I could have walked but California isn’t exactly pedestrian friendly until you get to the beach.  I took the free hotel shuttle one mile to avoid having to cross eight lanes of traffic.  It didn’t really feel like a vacation until I hopped off the shuttle and crossed over to the island.  I carried my backpack with all the essentials; western bird guide, binoculars, water, snacks and my journal.  What more do you need?  I hiked the beach mostly to ID shorebirds and watch the waves curl.  When I was hungry I walked down the Balboa Pier to have a Cobb Salad at Ruby’s and watch the fishermen and women pull Mackerel out of the ocean.  Occasionally I would lift my bins to ID a bird in the distance.  I was hoping to get some life birds on this trip.  I hope to get life birds on every trip I take.  After walking all day I headed back to the hotel to take a dip in the pool and then read and sip bourbon on the balcony.  I don’t hang out in hotel bars at night.  That’s just not me.  I’ve always sought out quiet places, whether it be the woods in Michigan or a quiet balcony in California.

I didn’t stay too long in southern California.  I had a nice visit with my nephew and cousin.  I’m not sure when I’ll go back?  I’m ready to head back to the Pacific Northwest.  I prefer the wild and rugged coast there.

to be continued…