Abalone Cove

the entire drive to California Grace and Ella constantly asked WHEN they would be able to go to the beach and play in the sand. it was the number 1 thing to do on their list, and they were excited about the entire list.

so, being the controlling mother that I am, we had to find a different kind of beach to visit. something less ordinary and more interactive. Johnny hit the jackpot when he found directions to Abalone (aa-baa-lone-y) Cove. this beach requires a half mile hike straight down (or up) going and coming and then another quarter mile plus walk down the beach to reach the treasure point. Grace and Ella hit the sand running toward the water only to stop dead in their tracks by bright green algae topping the surf. Ella was terrified. she wouldn't go near the waters edge for quite a while. down the beach at the tide pools was considerably more clear and eventually each daughter took the chance to mingle with real wild sea life and hunt up some fabulous rocks and shells. every collectors dream. of course we didn't take any from the preserve, we're not terrible like that. (ahem.) John loved looking for star fish with the girls and hunting up hermit crabs and sea anemones. I was loving taking pictures and exploring some new photography knowledge - maybe I'll share some of what I learned later.

I loved seeing how brave the girls became as we mingled among the tide pools and played on the rocks. Grace even held a star fish john coaxed off a rock.

if you're looking for fall color in California try searching out the star fish! I wonder if they change color with the seasons too?!