Tomales Bay © Judith A. Ross
Yesterday, we returned from a week in Northern California. While real life continued all around us, we were wrapped in a drought-spun cocoon of warm, sunny weather as we traveled through a green, blue and often sere landscape populated by amazing creatures.
Birches ©Judith A. Ross
Don’t know if this has a name, I call it “Camel Rock.” ©Judith A. Ross
California coastline ©Judith A. Ross
Cyprus trees ©Judith A. Ross
Knots ©Judith A. Ross
We observed these elephant seals from a distance. They moaned and squealed and flipped sand on their backs to stay cool. You could tell who had been sunning the longest by the pile of sand on their back.
We got a bit closer to the Tule elk.. .
Menfolk ©Judith A. Ross
Mama’s got her eye on you! ©Judith A. Ross
… and I was lucky to catch a shot of two youngsters at play.
Sibling rivalry ©Judith A. Ross
There were wildflowers and mysteries.
Wildflowers ©Judith A. Ross
Remains ©Judith A. Ross
***
Now that we have returned to the reality of the Massachusetts winter, our trip already feels like a long ago dream. But it is also our future dream. Will we live there some day? Only time will tell.
Footprints ©Judith A. Ross
Shifting Gears 
What a beautiful photo essay, Judith. Thanks for sharing. I feel like I just got a little vacation myself. 😉
Dream on Judith. Your photos are capture it well. Lovely.
Where in Northern California were you, Judith? Your photographs are beautiful and well-taken! We drove down to Oakland, spent 6 days there, then drove back, in December, and we loved the bright-but-not-hot sunshine, and the gorgeous hikes in the Oakland/Berkeley hills so much. Our kids want us to retire to northern California, but I haven’t figured out how to make it economically feasible. Looking forward to more, Leslie
Leslie, we were staying near Point Reyes Station, about an hour north of San Francisco. We also explored Berkeley/Oakland while we were there. And yes, figuring out how to make it economically feasible is the challenge. BUT, the next time we head west, we will also be checking out Portland. Stay tuned!
Oooh!!!! Live there someday? It looks like Heaven.
It not only looks like heaven, with the warm sun and the scent of eucalyptus all around, it feels and smells like heaven too.
Beautiful.
Those footprints make me smile, and think of strolling on beaches in faraway lands…
Nice pictures! They really evoke Point Reyes – We’re usually in the Bay Area this time of year, couldn’t make it due to illness. Next year….
John, I just found your comment today — darn WordPress! So nice to have a visit from you. And yes, Point Reyes was heavenly, I’m still dreaming about our time there.
Wonderful photos, Judith! I especially liked the tree tied up in knots. Amazing.
Your photos are beautiful. Looked like you were on a safari! Thinking of moving? Too much winter! Don’t blame you. Thank you for sharing.