Russian Ridge

Went out hiking on Russian Ridge this past weekend.  Nice area: Big, open spaces and not a lot of people.  Grab a paper map on your way in!  There's a lot of trails criss-crossing.  We saw five beetles, two lizards, a few deer, and innumerable thistles.  A few wildflowers still there but we missed the peak.

Cephalopods and sunsets

Took a trip to Monterey for my birthday.  Getting there is actually quite a pretty ride through rolling hills and farmland and then it's the ocean!  Sketching in a moving vehicle is always fun, and works out OK as long and you aren't doing architecture.

I had lunch at an outdoor cafe (there's plenty of those) and enjoyed some fish tacos with a view of the  ocean.

Also, there was good eavesdropping with the couple next me drinking something other than water:  "What was I talking about?"  "I will not date an Italian."  Always good to have some random entertainment with your fish tacos.  Then it was off the aquarium where I renewed my membership, watched the kelp, and learned that my Slicci pen is not waterproof.  Always changes your yellows a bit when you learn that too late, but the sketch still came out pretty well.

I switched pens when I went for a walk along the trail that goes along the ocean.

And took some photos

The next morning I walked down to San Carlos beach and watched the fog clear.

The ocean sent me a zebra for my birthday!  Thank you ocean, and welcome aboard Mr. Zebra.

Together, we went to the aquarium where we saw cuttlefish and jellyfish and fish fish and sea slugs and enjoyed the views off the deck and an ice cream.

There's a very nice trail along the ocean that's great for walking and biking.  Remember to share, play nicely, and if there's an earthquake, run like hell:

When there's not an earthquake, you can enjoy some wonderful views.  This little beach gets a seal of approval from the local wildlife, and one guess which way the prevailing winds blow.

It gets cold when the wind comes in, even in June, but it's worth it.  And that fog makes for some glorious sunsets.

And finally, some relaxing videos. First, some morning waves on the beach as the fog clears:

And then the sunset:

Sunset on the ocean

I could get used to this. Sunset on the ocean from Pacific Grove / Monterey. My fingers were freezing as the wind kicked up, but totally worth it.