The Dog Days of Summer
“Summer has a flavor like no other. Always fresh and simmered in Sunshine.” - Oprah Winfrey.
The dog days of Summer is that hot and humid part of the summer that stretches from mid-July to mid-August. “August slipped away like a bottle of wine ~Taylor Swift” Schools are open, play is done and it’s time to knuckle down and make the most of this year.
But let’s look back for one last glimpse of the flavors of summer.
Laguna Beach, California has more than the Laguna Art Festival and the pageant of the arts. I decided to go back for one more romp in Laguna Beach to enjoy the cool ocean breezes and more festivals with my friend @ofeliapedrochearanda.
The Sawdust Festival has a little bit of everything for everyone. Some crafts, beautiful art, glassware, glassblowing exhibitions, jewelry and fun, food and music. This is a non-juried show, showcasing Laguna Beach artists exclusively.
Next door Art Affair opens its doors to artists outside of Orange County. Photography was forbidden on most of the exhibits but nevertheless some fun and interesting stuff was to be had.
The cooling breezes were somewhat absent, so though we had fun and met some interesting people we moved on to brave the busy Los Angeles freeways to make it back to the sweltering heat of Studio City.
Summer is the best time to drive along Highway One and enjoy the little beach towns, beautiful scenery, pastries, so even though I had already done road tripping with friends decided to venture for one last hurrah along this so scenic part of California.
This time my road trip took me beyond Monterey towards Santa Cruz before angling inwards to head for a visit with my aunt in Mountain View, California. As I parked at the pullout for Shark Fin rock, I asked a fellow wanderer how difficult the path was to get to the cove. He suggested that I only head a little way towards a railway track, and I could get the shot I wanted.
I was ambitious so instead of climbing down to the cove I climbed a little way up the headland to get this gorgeous shot of another rock feature forming thanks the ocean waves hitting the shore.
Shark fin rock from the railway track. My fellow wanderer was right. This was the perfect shot. The path to the cove looked rough and treacherous and even though I spied people down there I decided not to take the chance.
Natural Bridges State Beach was a popular spot, crowded with many people wandering at the viewpoint taking pictures. Again, a wonderful example of nature’s sculpting.
This year I got to find a summer social activity for my book club. What better place than the Getty Museum which provides options to whet all appetites. When the afternoon includes a family concert in the garden, it’s like a cherry on top.
To finish a wonderful evening of food, music, viewing of Rembrandt’s laughing man portrait and Van Gogh’s Irises, this spectacular sunset was the perfect finishing touch.
Family pizza night, outdoors enjoying the perfect evening near the beach in California.
Grandbabies are like the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow, sunshine to the soul. Long summer evenings full of fun and frolic and dancing to the music of Bluey. These are all the memories that are close to my heart as I bid August and Summer goodbye and set off on my next adventure.