PISMO BEACH and MORRO BAY

This morning we were up and off early in order to be at the Oceano Dunes by 0600 in quest of a location for sunrise. The wind had subsided considerably since last night so the chance for some photography was good. We walked out a short distance into the dunes to find a foreground for the sunrise. The sunrise was pretty good with some color and clouds to add to the mix. There was, of course, the issue of contrails from aircraft. As the clouds were a bit high above the horizon the sunrise color was not spectacular but we both found something to add to a landscape. Afterwards we walked around the dunes and each found subject matter for our photography. We still had to deal with foot prints in the sands of time, both human and animal, probably all dog with the

exception of some lizard tracks. The dune photography ended with the build up of cloud cover eliminating any directional light on the dunes.

We returned to the Motel for a late continental breakfast of the usual fair of cold cereals, some muffins, fruit, and beverages. We then took a bit of a rest during the early mid-day. Then we were off to the Pismo Beach Pier for some more photography of the surfers. The surf was better, and there were some more experienced surfers out so it was again fun. Then we were off to Morro Bay as I wanted to see Morro Rock and take in a bit of the town. Found a great place for lunch after asking a local for a recommendation: Dockside. We enjoyed grilled fish tacos made with fresh grenadier fish which I had never heard of but Lin had, and knew it was a good eating fish. It was!!

The rest of the afternoon was spent around the Morro Bay photographing some of the boats, and a number of birds. There was Bill, the great blue heron who hangs out along the pleasure boat piers. We also saw and photographed eared and western grebes, great blue herons, cormorants (double crested, and pelagic, sea scoter, several loons, and a couple of varieties of seagulls. The loon put on quite a show, and Bill, the local GBH, was pretty cooperative as a subject matter.

The sunset this evening was looking promising, but it only lasted a couple of minutes.

Back at the Aloha Inn we enjoyed another motel gourmet dinner of good cheese, carrots, grape tomatoes, crackers, and a nice fresh avocado. This was delicious and sufficient as we had had a filling lunch in Morro Bay.

Photographer at work

Loon with Crab

Oops!

Retrieved

Eared Grebe

Eared Grebe Taking Off

Eared Grebe about to dive

Pelagic Cormorant

 

BEACHCOMBING and MORE - April 4

This morning we were to go back to the dunes once more, but Lin was not up to it. I decided to get a bit more sleep so went back to bed for about an hour and got up about 0630. Then I was off to Pismo Beach’s beach for a very nice long walk and some photography. The beach is very conducive to walking and beach combing as the sand is quite firm, and the beach is quite wide. It was a very enjoyable morning with a nice four mile walk included. The surf was really down this morning though there were a few surfers out. I opted to not photograph them. Instead I walked the beach and took photographs of shore birds, sand dollars, kelp, sand patterns, etc. I thoroughly enjoyed myself.

I got back to the hotel just in time to partake of their breakfast!! We then packed up and started out on our drive to Madera, CA, where we will be part of the judging panels for the San Joaquin Valley Photography Salon. Before leaving the coast we drove to Avila Bay. This is also known as the port of San Luis. The bay is quite small, but well protected. We were able to explore around the fishing pier where we saw and photographed some more loons, some western grebes, and quite a few red footed guillemots as well as some sea gulls. There were also a few brown pelicans in the area. We had a short rain squall when we arrived which we waited out in the car. One gent saw my long lens and came over and told me about seeing porpoises near some surfers so we had to go check that out as well. By the time we got to the area the surfers were done, but they confirmed the event. We treated ourselves to some very good coffee and a pastry while sitting on the beach before heading off on the drive.

The drive to Madera went well. It was mostly on CA Rte 41. We went through some rolling hills and farm land before dropping into the San Joaquin Valley. The hills of the Coastal Range were green, but the San Joaquin Valley is very dry. There were many fields lying fallow. Talking with the people in Madera they have had very little rain this winter, and only the last month or so has seen
much moisture.

Here are some beach combing pictures, and more birds, etc.

Surf Scoter

Sand Dollar with Barnacles

Sand Crab Debris

Razor Clam Remnant with Tracks

Sanderlings

On Watch

Sand Crab with trail

 

Diving Pelican

PISMO BEACH ADVENTURE - APRIL 2, 2014

This is a short trip entailing photography and being judging The Fresno Salon. The photography takes place along the California Coast in the vicinity of Pismo Beach. My friend Lin has been here before, and suggested this in place of not quite Spring in the Sierras, Yosemite in particular. We have gone
to judge the Fresno Salon about three times, and usually go into Yosemite for a day or two on our way home. This year we decided to go West to the Coast.

The drive from San Diego to Pismo Beach went pretty smoothly with no major slow downs. We circumvented Los Angeles by traveling North on I15, then going West via the I210 and onto US101. We were in Pismo Beach by 1400 and started the adventure with a very good seafood lunch at Splash Cafe. We then went to the Pier and photographed surfers. The ocean was quite choppy and the wind was quite strong so it was a challenge for all. We had great fun though and got some good photos. About 1700 we headed for the East side of the dunes for photography. After a short walk and watching the blowing sand we decided hat it was not the place to be with camera gear.

We beat a retreat to the car and headed North to Shell Beach which is just to the North. It was still quite windy but we were able to get some shore pictures with some rocks out in the ocean. For a short time I thought there might be a chance for a green flash, but it turned out that there was another point that would block the actual sunset at the horizon. Still a fun time.

After checking into the hotel, the Aloha Inn, we made our own supper with cheese, crackers, tomatoes, carrots, and avocado. Quite the feast and served us well. Then I downloaded the pictures and did a review. To bed late with an early morning wake up to go for sunrise on the dunes.

(Remember to double click on first image for a slide show.)