Heaven On Earth ~ Weekend Wandering
Sailboat in Newport Harbor.
“I’m learning the power of going away for the weekend and keeping myself company.” - Zoe Saldana
Since I started my weekend wandering, I typically pick either Saturday or Sunday and plan a day of exploring what my part of Southern California has to offer. My friends are all getting in the act and I now have company on many a weekend as well. This weekend was a wonderful treat, company and a wander on both Saturday and Sunday. I’m going to start needing Monday off to recover if this trend continues.
Saturday turned into a trip to the Huntington Garden with my friend Geeta where we stopped in to sample the newly opened Jade Café which we enjoyed, along with great conversation followed by a walk through some of the gardens to let us walk off our lunch in beautiful surroundings. An absolutely perfect afternoon in friendly company.
Sunday, we wandered far from home all the way to Newport Beach to explore gardens and beaches, thank you Praneet for suggesting today’s destination and inviting a couple of friends to accompany us.
Saturday on our walk through the Chinese Garden we encountered this young man posing for a picture. He unfurled his fan and gave me a smile and a wave as I raised my phone to click a picture.
Sherman Gardens and Library in Newport Beach.
The gardens showcase flowers and plants from all over the world. It’s very refreshing to wander though the paths and enjoy the bright splashes of color that make visitors feel welcomed. This table setting for 12 is a part of their silent auction and definitely invites visitors to want to win this meal for 12 in an idyllic setting. There’s also a bathtub in the garden with lotus flowers and waterlilies if you want to imagine an old fashioned bath in idyllic surroundings.
“If you have a garden and a library, you have everything you need.” – Marcus Tullius Cicero
No truer words could be spoken for someone like me who despite having a black thumb really enjoys the beauty of a garden. There are whimsical displays all around the garden like this inviting you to stop a minute, take a deep breath and blow out all your troubles.
Enjoy the dazzling splashes of color, stop to admire special plants from all over the world in every corner of the garden. If you are an avid gardener, do grab their flowering calendar that tells you what to look out for on each trip.
“Because there’s nothing more beautiful than the way the ocean refuses to stop kissing the shoreline, no matter how many times it’s sent away.” - Sarah Kay
A trip to Newport Beach would definitely be incomplete without feasting you eyes on the beauty and power of the ocean. Standing at an overlook right above the Corona Del Mar beach we admired the beautiful beach front properties that showcased architectural styles from different parts of the world and different periods of time and looked on people making the most of a Southern California summer day on the beach.
Another mile further down on Ocean avenue to a lookout point overlooking the Newport harbor which looks pretty busy as you can see. This is where the annual Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade delights millions of viewers across the nation.
As we found a bench to enjoy the sight, a friendly pigeon came to roost right next to us as if listening to our conversation. I’ve never seen such a friendly bird before.
Hunger pangs were now making themselves felt so we reluctantly left these delightful views to find our way to Balboa island and lunch.
Despite diligently following the car navigation we missed the Balboa Island Ferry but fortunately ended up on Marine Ave, and a short bridge crossing that took us over to Balboa island.
Thank you to the parking gods who opened up a spot in front of us close to where we wanted to be . After a much needed lunch at a delightful Italian restaurant we wandered along Marine Ave shopping for the cute, quaint and different.
As we walked Marine Ave, we found this beautiful chapel in the midst of all the shops and eateries. Today we just wandered by and did not stop inside.
Our last stop of the day was the Rogers garden center with its wide selection of plants, patio décor and restaurant. We enjoyed our last bit of browsing for the day and stopped in at the restaurant for a small pick me up which was either coffee or a cocktail depending on who wanted what.
As we headed out we stopped to admire this unique plant which is a succulent but does not have any thorns.
I am now energized and looking forward to a great week since “A Sunday well spent brings a week of content”. I hope I have brightened your week in the sharing of this weekend’s wandering.