July 25
We made our way to Moss Landing State Beach just a few miles north of us. I told the boys it would be a sandy spot compared to the rock shores we had seen up until now. However, I surprised them as I had done my research and knew that this was also a wildlife refuge area. 
We then made our way over the dunes to find we had the beach practically to ourselves! We spent two hours playing in the sand and water (very cold...I chose to enjoy from the shore). Then we found large crabs. We dug up our first one thinking it was a rock. Imagine our surprise when it moved! Many new bird species to add to our birding list.
Our day did not end...we were on the search for a difficulty level 5 geocache to add to our finds. This was a special challenge for the summer. On our way we found another cache at the worlds' largest artichoke! We will need to return here to eat at the restaurant with Michael. Then a windy road to a cache hidden inside a rock! The best part of this find was that we found the closest Sonic to our house (20 minute drive)...an awesome find!July 26
The weekend! And now Michael had the opportunity to come with us to a beach. So much better for the children...he is willing to go out into the water with them and play in the sand. I am more of a 'sit back and watch' kind of person at the beach and obviously the photographer (1000 pictures on this particular day!)
We were on our way to the small town of Carmel-by-the-Sea...I had heard we might see whales at this location but I had heard that before...we would not get our hopes up. I spent the night before looking at the geocaching options to take us on a nice walk around town.
We left early in the morning because parking is terrible on the narrow streets. We were also going to be at an event later in the day, so we wanted to be close to both the beach and the center. We found a great parking spot and were off to the beach...geocaching along the way. We were just about to find our first cache when a couple walking up from the beach said...there are whales out there...lots of them! Our saunter through town just became a run...we were finally going to see whales!
First...let me say...the beach was beautiful...soft cool sand and lots of room to spread out and enjoy the shore with the waves coming up gently. There were also several people with dogs...we will need to come back here with Hank.
Then we saw the whales! Just spouts of water at first but then a whale breaching or a tale flipping above the water...it was amazing! We were so excited! We were only able to stay for a short time in the morning but the children wanted to return to play in the sand and I was happy to oblige to view the whales some more. No great pictures because they were too far out for my camera zoom.
We walked back UP the hill that was so easy earlier in the day. We made it just in time to make it to the concert that was part of a Bach Festival. We earned tickets for the entire family at our summer reading program. We did not know what to expect. We were pleasantly surprised to have a very family friendly concert. The conductor and his mermaid narrated an educational under water adventure that was helpful to understand the bay. It was funny and interesting ...great puns in between facts. Cute story of a little boy who was too young to do anything so he went to his room to find his stuffed horse had come to life to give him an adventure.After the concert there were crafts and snacks for the attendees. This was also an opportunity for everyone to meet the performers. Zaira was quick to find her way to the mermaid! Brendan tagged along. He was more interested in the food but also took some time to talk to the pianist.
When we returned to the beach, the boys and Michael tried their luck at building a sand castle. Zaira played up the shore because the waves have never been a thrill for her. I spent my time trying to capture a whale on the camera. We all succeeded in having fun.
The castle building was given an extra push with the help of a young man (Fernando) who joined our group...pushing sand onto the castle and bringing water. It was not until the second attempt at a castle (when they moved further in from the water) that Zaira joined in the efforts as well.
I had the joy of taking a picture of three whales breaching at the same time. I also caught a few waving their fins and tails above the water. Then we had two brave dolphins swim directly in front of the group. We enjoyed a fun afternoon and hope to return with Hank in a couple of weeks. Looking forward to seeing his reaction to the waves and salt water.
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