A Beautiful Arrangement

Doheny Park Beaches, Dana Point, CA

Like a beautifully assembled floral arrangement, the view toward the beaches of Doheny Park rises before us.

In a floral arrangement, there should be something low -- here, the ocean and sandy beaches.

There should be something at the middle level -- here, the buildings overlooking the small road that edges its way below the coastal cliff.

There should be something up high -- the hills of San Juan Capistrano, in the distance.

And higher still, as befits every beautiful nature scene, a vibrant blue sky provides the background.  

A beautiful arrangement.

Ramos House, Repurposed

The Ramos House Café, San Juan Capistrano, CA

In the city of San Juan Capistrano, we easily find visible remnants of its history.  Much of the credit goes to a persistent band of locals who did the work necessary and took the steps required to gain listing on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places.  

Here on Los Rios Street stands a study in the age-old, now reinvigorated, concept of repurposing.  The Ramos House was built in 1881 by the Aguilar family but owned for many years by the Ramos family, one of the city's oldest and best-known families.  

Now a popular small restaurant, the structure stands proudly beside the railroad tracks that brought so much life and activity to San Juan Capistrano in past times.  Could those early travelers possibly have envisioned crab cake salad with remoulade or sweet potato hush puppies with pepper jam?  

Repurposing often requires reenvisioning to make it work!

Cruising Pacific Coast Highway

Yellow Cab on PCH in Laguna Beach

Pacific Coast Highway, CA State Route 1, and as the locals call it, PCH, is over 650 miles in length.  Parts of it run very close to the coast, as here in Laguna Beach.  These near-brushes with the ocean lend a touch of rejuvenation to the journey.  Even behind the closed windows of an air-conditioned vehicle, the hint of ocean air seems to breeze in and make me open my eyes a little wider.  

And marvel at the beauty nearby.

Sailing Into A Metaphor

Blue sky above, blue sea below.

It would be lovely to know, just where they will go.

Setting sail from the harbor in Dana Point, California on a sunny day is undoubtedly an exhilarating experience.  Here, safe in the inlet, within the protective barrier of the breakwater, who knows what lies ahead.  

A bit of a metaphor for life.  Sailing.