California and Smiles

Last time, I was inspired by my Mom’s transformation from beer ‘novice’ to IPA lover, this time it’s my Dad and something he said that sticks in my brain. Once, he took my sister on a college hunt out to CA and let me tag along. While in Santa Monica I remember he said “the reason people are happy in CA is they can watch the sun set into the ocean.” While he was right, what he forgot is that sometimes in CA, you can also see the sun rise out of the ocean! In one of these rare spots, I grabbed the photo you see above shortly after sunrise. So, Dad, from a young age, I knew CA was pretty; here’s a few more ways CA is a fabulous state!

Pinnacles; small and mighty!

These are the Pinnacles everyone’s talking about

The Sphinx of Central CA

Hand rails to guide you

Yup...that's a guy on that rock

Or were these the Pinnacles?

Pinnacles National Park is probably the smallest national park I’ve been in, but it sure does stand large in my mind. You know those birds that soar way high above you? They’re huge, they seem like they’ll stay up there forever, and perhaps (just maybe) they’re a really well disguised U2 spy plane. Well it’s not too often you get to look down on them!

That's not a condor!

But this is!

Look who's high up now!!

Like 98% sure this isn't a condor...

Speaking of friends!

It’s really nice to see folks you haven’t seen in way too long. From catching up, to their unique perspective on things, to them being your photography spotter, friends are truly the best!