President's Day.

After a week of rain, lots and lots of rain, I made a plan for our sunny day.

5:30 AM--I start tugging the kids out of bed.

6:05 AM--Ron makes the final call for departure.

6:25 AM--We arrive in Half Moon Bay at Starbucks. (It was part of the negotiating deal for our early departure.)



6:40 AM--We are cruising down the coast on Highway 1, as the sun comes up.



It was my plan to watch the sun come up. I love the California sky. It is enchanting to watch it transform itself from night to day and day to night. The added bonus was we were frequently alone on the two lane highway.

7:15 AM--We pull up to our favorite beach. All the rain last week made a bit o' mud to navigate though...



The tide is out and we clamor along the coast, navigating a few obstacles along the way.



Spectacular sights rest in the tide pools.



Sea urchins cling to the rocks.



Though some urchins are bigger than others...



When we discover the seals resting on the rocks and watching us, we are delighted. Ron watches two curious seals swim close to Kade as he explores the wonder of the ocean; however, when Kade notices them and calls out to us they disappear.

Eventually, the seals lose interest...yawning (like this guy) and going back to their early morning nap.



A few minutes later we attempt to capture a photo of our own uncooperative little seals, as they bark, swat, and torment each other.

Until they finally define their boundaries and settle down...but no napping here!



At the lighthouse a little later, these two seem to say, "What are you kidding me? It is too early for visitors!"



The photo credit for the earlier seals must be given to the girl with the zoom!



Time stands still on the coast as freedom and quietness pervades the soul. (While coffee warms the body in the chilly coastal winds.)



Scenery to last forever.



9:16 AM--Time no longer stands still as we cruise down the highway to Santa Cruz. Barely morning and we have already covered hours of adventures.

To be continued...