A walk in Crystal Cove

My friend had a great idea to hike the Crystal Cove State Park bike trail today with our dogs. Although we usually go for a more strenuous route, we decided that it was such a lovely day, and it would be great to be close to the ocean, so off we went.

We were greeted by the most gorgeous views of Pacific meets golden So Cal coastal chaparral. Just amazingly beautiful...

We couldn't have asked for a more picturesque day. Birds, lizards and squirrels were everywhere, darting about looking for shade, or a little morsel of food. We even saw a couple of endangered birds, but heck if I can remember what they were.

Here's the part of the park where the old cottages have been restored. It's a really cool place to stay if you are lucky enough to get a reservation through the California State Parks.

We walked past the old Date Shake Shack, which is now owned and run by Ruby's Diner.
Ruby's has restored the shack, and painted it in the old familiar yellow paint.
Here's a pic donned in white, from a few years ago.

Photo by: JaimeD.

Originally, it was painted yellow, then somewhere along the way some brain surgeon painted it white. Here it is today.

We walked right past, noticing that the place was opened for business, but not ready to slow down for a better look.

Here's a view from the highway, looking down on The Beachcomber Restaurant and the beach goers enjoying the park and beach.

Onward we trekked. We took the stairs beside the Date Shake Shack down behind the Beachcomber, then back up to the trail, just for a little leg-work.

Here's the view from the cottage that is now where guests register for their stay at the park.

Too many of the original cottages are crumbling away, waiting for renovation.

Intrepid hikers that we are, we kept up our pace, and kept moving forward. We saw a momma quail with   her brood. See the momma on the left? Yea, I know, I'm an amazing photographer!

And, check this out! A young Roadrunner, couldn't quite figure out where to dash off to, so stayed around for a lame photographer to snap a couple of pics.You're not going to like this, but that's a lizard in it's mouth. Lizard for lunch! Hey, roadrunners have to eat too, y'know.

At the end of the trail, we turned around and went back the same way we came, appreciating views from a different perspective.

That's when I felt my stomach begin to grumble and gurgle, a little reminder of just how damn hungry I was. We were still pretty far away from the car, so I was hoping I wouldn't faint dead away before we got back. That would have been just a little bit awkward for my friend.

As we walked past the Date Shake Shack, some nice person told us that it was free to eat today. That they were kicking off opening day by giving away free food and drinks. Really? We looked at each other, no joke? The fact that I was literally starving, and dreaming of something greasy to eat, I couldn't believe my luck! Yay, free food!

Here's the deck. They've just expanded it to fit 60 people.

The Park Rangers were in on the deal, too. Smile, guys!

Here's my friend's turkey sandwich with cranberry sauce, it looked delish. I'd show you my BLT with avo, but damn I was hungry, and I ate the whole thing with nothing to show for it except greasy napkins. 

The good news? I love free stuff, and food is about the best free stuff there is. The bad news? I'm so stuffed, I need to go home and take a really long nap. Ugh.

Moment to moment

The thing about moments, is that they are fleeting. That quiet feeling of bliss that you feel when you are really paying attention to those lovely details can end abruptly, sending you in another direction entirely.

I was walking my dog, Buddy, around the neighborhood the other day, it was a beautiful afternoon, cool but sunny, really a pretty day. I was taking it slow, not one of my usual power walks. I had already done a beach walk that day at Crystal Cove Beach,  which included a killer set of stairs. So, I was just trying to give Buddy a break, so he could take his time, smell all the smells he wanted to, and have a leisurely walk.

I was so engrossed in the momentary minutia, that I had completely forgotten about the rabid boxer dog that lives around the corner. We stroll past the boxer's house, not even thinking for one minute that anything could go wrong. I bet you know where this is going... The boxer, let's call him... um, Kujo, comes charging down his driveway with his little friend not far behind, both in attack mode. Of course Buddy pulls the leash, trying to lunge back at them, and for the second time in 2 weeks, I land on my butt in the middle of the street because of this crazy animal, trying desperately to hold onto Buddy's leash. I fell hard. It was complete mayhem. Dogs barking, teeth gnashing, and me shouting from the ground trying to quickly scramble to my feet.

Uh oh, I think he sees us...

Finally my dumbass neighbor comes out and tries to get a grip on his completely out of control, rabidly insane dogs. I brush myself off, and shout a few choice phrases after him, then I notice that my hand is covered in dog shit, because I was carrying Buddy's poop bag when I fell, and smeared it all over myself. Now, that's a moment to notice!

So, maybe I'll try a little harder to not be so caught up in the "moment" when I pass the house of Kujo. From now on, being fully present is on my list of priorities. Moments come and go, and I know that they're often beautiful, but knowing full well what may confront you is equally worthwhile. I really want to be completely aware, and on my toes the next time Kujo comes charging down his driveway. But wouldn't it be nice if my neighbor would just leash the dog so that I could continue along with my head in the clouds?