Along the Coast

“The sea, once it casts its spell, holds one in its net of wonder forever.” Jacques Yves Cousteau

Many happy moments of my life have been spent at the seaside. The sea has also soothed me when things haven’t been easy, and it has never failed to give me inner peace when I have needed it most.

At the beginning of the new year, I spent a few days in Pacific Grove. The hotel was right across the street from the water and it was special to be able to go out for a sunrise photography session and watch the sun set in the evening.

The coast in Pacific Grove is rocky, but there are subtle differences and just walking along made me want to stop every few feet and take a picture.

When I wasn’t loosing myself in the waves and forgetting the time, I also spotted a gray whale, 52 seals and numerous seagulls. I’ve been to Pacific Grove many times in the past, but had never stopped by the lighthouse. The Point Pinos lighthouse is the oldest operating lighthouse on the west coast and has been in use since 1855.

Of course no visit to Pacific Grove is complete without a visit to the Monterey Bay Aquarium. The aquarium is one of the very few I will visit as I feel no other can hold a candle to it. Even before sustainable fishing was “a thing” the aquarium was educating their visitors how important it is not to over-fish the ocean. They continue to do so to this day. The Aquarium’s Conservation & Science programs prioritize California ocean health, ocean wildlife, sustainable fisheries and aquaculture, ocean plastic pollution, and climate action for the ocean. I love all of the exhibits in the aquarium and can spend hours watching sardines swim around in circles, tuna and sharks cruise around their tanks, jellies sway, and of course the sea otters play.

My morning sessions out before breakfast were the most special for me and on my last morning I vowed to stay longer the next time I visit.