Pier Reflection

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Curves of Morro Bay

Morro Bay lies along the central California Coast near San Luis Obispo, and is known for two major landmarks: Morro Rock, a large volcanic dome right near the shoreline, and a power plant with three very tall smokestacks.

Some miles north, Highway 46 cuts through the coastal mountains from Cambria to Paso Robles, revealing cattle ranches, wineries, and empty hills. There’s one spot along the road where the hills part, revealing a perfect view of the bay and the rock. Better yet, there’s a turnout, making it easy to stop and look.

The first time I drove this way, it was gray and overcast, and might actually have been raining. A year later I took the same drive again on an sunny day, unable to remember how far along the turnout was but watching for it the whole way. The result: this shot.

The curves of the dome, the bay, the rolling hills and the patch of heavier vegetation all fit in with this week’s photo challenge theme.

The Sign Says: Don’t Even Think About It!

I couldn’t decide between these two photos for the latest photo challenge. The first is a warning sign at the edge of Del Cerro Park in Rancho Palos Verdes. It’s a part up at the top of the hill, ending in if not exactly cliffs, a steep drop hundreds of feet down as the hills roll toward the ocean.

“Danger” signs are a dime a dozen. It’s the “Don’t even think about it!” that struck me as photo-worthy.

As for this second one, it’s not so much the sign that I found interesting as the fact that the bird looks like it’s staring at it, dismayed.

“Gee, I hope this doesn’t apply to seagulls, too!”

I collect pictures of funny/odd/interesting signs at K-Squared Ramblings, so if you’re interested in more, head over there for a look.

Sunset: Smoke on the Water

Last Friday I went out to the beach to watch the sun set into the smoke layer from the Springs Fire and other wildfires burning near Los Angeles. More photos from this evening on Flickr.

Bluff Cove

Bluff Cove in the Palos Verdes area near Los Angeles. One of these days I’ll get around to hiking that trail down to the base of the cliffs.

Ocean Sunset

Taken last November at Dockweiler State Beach in El Segundo.

Coastal Canyon & Catalina

Canyon near Del Cerro Park on the Palos Verdes peninsula, looking out past the coastline to Catalina Island.

Ventura Pier

Looking toward the shoreline on the Ventura Pier last spring. You can see the panorama better in the lightbox view.

Blue and Gold Sunset

Blue and Gold Sunset, originally uploaded by Kelson.

Sunset at the beach in Dana Point, California, last December. If you look carefully at the horizon, you can see the silhouette of Catalina Island.

Santa Monica Beach

Santa Monica Beach, originally uploaded by Kelson.