Hiking To A Pirate Cave and Treasure Island Beach

I LOVE adventure! When I'm unable to go on vacations, I search for fun and unusual areas to explore around me. On Wednesday, I decided to visit a sea cave I'd never been to in Dana Point, CA. I had to research the tides first because it is only accessible at low tide.

The route required scrambling over rocks and boulders (1.2 miles round trip). I found myself picking up the pace, worried I wouldn't be able to make it to the cave and back out again before the water began to rise (this low tide was actually higher than normal at 3.65 ft.)
Not to be deterred I pressed on and wasn't disappointed.

The entrance was narrow and opened into a large cave with a beautiful view of crashing waves. I had the cave all to myself as the summer crowds have returned to school and work. There was an adjacent smaller cave that required going out into the water to get to. I chose to forego that one, knowing my time was short as the water began to pour into the cave I was in. While making my way back, I came upon a mom and her three children. She asked if I thought they could make it to the cave in time.
The adventurer inside me wanted to tell her, "Yes if you hurry!" But I knew that wasn't safe or realistic with her young children. I encouraged her to come back on another day when the tide was lower.

I then came upon a homeless man named Jeff (I wrote about this encounter on my "Bowl of Inspiration" Blog-click link on right to read).

I finally reached my car and headed home down Pacific Coast Hwy (which is always a beautiful drive.) While at a stop light, I noticed a sign for "Treasure Island Beach." I'd never been to this beach either, so I made a quick turn and headed down to check it out.

Woah...it was amazing (as you can see in the video). The cliff tunnel led me straight to the perfect writing spot atop a rock as water rushed all around me.
Talk about inspiration!

All in all it was an amazing day of firsts. And let me tell ya...adventure firsts are my all time favorite.

I hope you enjoy virtually exploring Southern California's beautiful coast.

HEY STOP TALKING-YOU MISSED MY SHOT!

THE WAVES WERE SMALL BUT THEY MADE THE BEST OF IT!

I'm loving having my middle son Jullien here visiting from New York for a whole month, not much time left though…he's leaving on the 16th. I know he's happy to be here too…especially when he gets a call from his friends telling him that it was 3 degrees in NY this morning.

So in the spirit of our California winter, here's some shots I took of Jullien and my hubby. Let me just brag a little and say that I'm a good mom and wife, spending my day waiting around to get that "perfect shot." Heaven forbid if I see someone I know and start talking (like on this particular day.) Jullien (my loud mouth son) yells up to me, "HEY, stop talking and take pictures…you missed my last wave!"

REALLY? 

The things I do for my family. I can't even visit because I might miss a shot!!! I've created monsters!!!LOL! So here's a few shots that I didn't miss.

CHECKING OUT THE WAVES

HE'S EVEN MODELING WHILE SURFING! HAHAHAHA!

Now this is the one reason my family doesn't like surfing close to the pier…it's a constant battle to get position. If someone thinks you took their wave…your peaceful day can turn ugly very quickly.

MY HUBBY TELLING JUJ HOW HE FELT WHEN SOMEONE DROPPED IN ON HIS WAVE-LOL!

JULLIEN IN THE MIX

My hubby was pretty upset that I wasn't in a better position when he caught his, "WAVE OF THE DAY." Most of it was blocked as he headed under the pier.

 After each wave they discuss how good they did!;D

FATHER/SON TIME

YES WE ARE VERY SPOILED WITH OUR SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA WINTERS!

Unnecessary Words

When beauty abounds I struggle to find words profound.

Copyrighted Photos by: Lisa Petrarca
Please ask permission to use

Tornado Touched Down In OC

I never thought I'd be blogging about a tornado here in the OC. But today it actually happened. The school sent an email saying that they put the high school on lock down because of the warning (the H.S. is only a couple of blocks from the beach.)

In the harbor a water spout was spotted in the ocean heading for the shore. It hit Pacific Coast Hwy., turned over cars & continued into the harbor overturning a 40ft catamaran. It tore the roof off of several homes & buildings.

I was at home with my son & my friend (I've had a migraine for two days & now my stomachs acting up). The rain was coming down so hard & the wind was howling...they say it got up to 80 mph. We all jumped up because it was so loud and ran to the window. It looked like a hurricane...very crazy.

I know those of you who live in places that have to deal with this all the time are probably thinking, "Big deal." But for us in So. Cal., it is a big deal. Things like this just don't happen here. Earthquakes we're used to but tornado's, not so much.

I guess the next few days are supposed get even worse. Two days of rain in a row is ridiculous for us...how will we ever survive 5 days!! LOL...yes we are VERY spoiled here!