Dana Point, our very first stop after landing in Orange County.
I had been to Dana Point before, somewhere around thirteen years ago. The cliffs and the harbor stood out in my memory, along with the Pirate ship they had on display. I had to see if it was like I remembered it, or how much it had changed.
We first glimpsed the harbor from the street we were lost on driving on. This was, also, our first look at the Pacific this trip. Ahhh! The great deep beyond of the Pacific waters. I could stare at them forever.
Dana Point is a little nugget tucked away from Orange County on the way to San Diego. It’s beach and harbor are surrounded by hills. It took quite a few turns (with GPS) to get us to this little gem of a destination.
But we did find it. I think we followed a surf board (and a sign).
We got to the harbor.
We got to the beach.
It was as lovely as I remember it. This time I wasn’t as in awe of the cliffs and ocean, as much as I was the endless boats. I had my boat picked out, the name christened, and I was ready to sail away.
I probably need to move to California first, heh.
We had a nice lunch next to the harbor highway. We watched the boats big and small parading in and out of entrance. We enjoyed a crisp 68-degree day that was (literally) heaven on earth after the scorching 110 in Dallas.
The flowers were not withered and brown, but a colorful display to the eye.
At the very end of the harbor, I found the Pirate Ship in the same place as it was before. It looked a lot newer. I believe they do cruises, or something. It was straight out of a movie cool.
The walk back down the harbor was just as delightful, except for my slippery sandals.
We took it slow to take it all in (and get sunburnt our first day). Looking all around and up at the hillside, I see beautiful palm trees and gorgeous homes.
Back by the beach, there is tons of surf board paddlers and children at play.
The wall surrounding the beach had hand-made tiles designed by children. I didn’t find the story behind who they were or why they decorated the beach walk, but they were very crafty and unique. I definitely felt the charm they added to Dana Point.
I took lots and lots and lots of harbor photos.
Dana Point Harbor, Dana Point, California, 2011
When we finally left, we stopped back at the first place we came to, and I took more pictures of the view.
Again…..
And Again….
And again….
The view is amazing. And guess what? A wedding was about to take place.
I totally creeped on it. We waited, and waited for the bride – maybe behind a tree with my camera – but she didn’t show. Not even after we saw all the bridesmaids. We finally gave up. I hope she made it. The groom was looking a little worried.
So we said good-bye to the view……
And took off for our next destination.
It’s going to take me awhile to post all the places we went to. Hope you don’t mind LOTS more.
So far, it’s been day one, ha.
🙂
I am uploading all the photographs to my photography Facebook page before I post them on the blog. If you like sneak peeks, be sure to “Like” and “Look”. Angelia’s Photography Fan Page.
Living, Loving, Laughing.... 
The photos – boats lined up with masts. They have jig saw puzzle like that .l Can you imagine? Rather play Russian roulette.
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Fabulous! Thank you so much…I love seeing the West Coast as my East Coast beach is so flat and rockless! I hope someday to experience it for myself.
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You did it again! So well done. I love the colors of your pictures, they are so bright and real. You know, it is very hot here now. Tomorrow one more sizzling day and then it will cool down. I do not envy you there in Texas. Have a great weekend!
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Gorgeous pictures. I’ll make it a point to drive by there the next time I’m in Cali hopefully next year. When I was there last winter, we were at Venice Beach which is equally beautiful, have a pic of the pier as my PC wallpaper and I can’t stop staring at it.
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Sublime. Absolutely beautiful.
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Great shots. I am glad you had such a great time on day one! Looking forward to the rest!
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Beautiful photos! I need to make my way to California someday! I’ve been to San Diego on business for a few days, but that was it. It’s just too gorgeous not to go again!
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Absolutely gorgeous!
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I love the beach pictures…so serene.
The flowers are beautiful!
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Oh my goodness! Your photos just confirm my belief that I need to get out of Illinois.
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I loved the beach pictures – but the flowers were what made me stop and take a second look. You are truly an amazing photographer!
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What a beautiful place! Love your images. Especially the one with the wall and the girl sitting on it. Great composition! I’ll be back to visit again!
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I’ve never been there. The next time we drive down I’m going to have to check it out. Your pictures are stunning.
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Awww. I love Dana Point as well. When my son was stationed at Camp Pendleton, we went there and it was such a lovely way to spend the day. So glad you got to go.
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Amazing photography Angelia. Looks like you enjoyed your trip and 40th bday! I haven’t been to California since I was 11 years old. Looks like I’m well due for a trip there.
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i love watching your photography grow 🙂 still so happy that i found your blog even if i haven’t been commenting/interacting as much 🙂
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Maybe she was the run-away bride 😉 What a lovely trip – would have loved to meet up with you but I know how it goes when you have too much to see & not enough time to see it in. Glad you had a great trip!
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Are you in California!!?? WEEEEEEE! This is exactly where me and Luann, blogger of Paint your Landscape, met. The weatherwas not cooperative with us that day. Did you see the countless number of birds on the beach?
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No, this was a couple of years ago when I was there. It was a beautiful day! So cool you got to meet her!
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i missed this post but thankfully your blogger buddy Rommel put a detour over here. lovely photographs, of course you know. i love you work. hope one day you can return…what am i saying, i hope i can visit as well!! ha-ha. looks like a great place.
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