Rambler: Terry Drink in Hand: 2010 Prospect 49 Boomtown Red (blend)

All last week I sat through a computer class (a.k.a., a “bootcamp”). I suppose it was worthwhile, but, then again, in the big scheme of things, I’m not so sure. Of course, the class was intended to help me earn a certification that is required for my job. I took the class very seriously and studied as much as possible. I think I saw the light of day a few times the whole week. I hope I passed the test at the end of the course. But something in me longed to be doing something else. I suppose something has to pay the bills.

When I got back home, I was excited to hear about the adventures that Beth and Massey had on their hiking trip. Good times, and I’m sure she’ll be posting something on the blog soon. As for me, I started looking through past photographs and came across some from Garrapata State Beach just south of Carmel, CA. What a beautiful place! The colors, the shapes. Much better than memorizing terms or numbers.

Rambler: Beth Drink at Hand: 2009 Ventana Pinot Gris...so refreshing on a warm summer day!

Another Thirsty Thursday here again. Time to pour something yummy and make plans for this first full weekend of summer! And what's summer without a trip to the beach? This week we highlight a trip we took to the beach a few weeks back.

About a month ago Terry and I cruised down to San Luis Obispo to visit some friends and do a little bike ride. We were also using the trip as a scouting mission to check out some future photography locations. Unfortunately given the schedule of the weekend we knew we wouldn't be able to get out at the "golden hour" times to catch the nice light on the landscapes, but we could at least check out some good spots.

After breakfast on Saturday morning Terry and I headed out to Montaña de Oro State Park. The location came highly recommended by Steve Sieren, and when Steve suggests a good photo spot, you go there! I have to admit, I was really impressed with diversity of the landscape in this park. Sprawling eucalyptus groves, grassy sand dunes, wide beaches, huge open fields, hidden coves, and possibly the most interesting rock formations along the ocean I've seen. Unfortunately by the time we made it to the water the good morning light was long gone, so the striated rocks on the shore is at the top of the list of photo subjects when we get back down there later this summer. Supposedly the mountain biking isn't too bad either, so we definitely need to get back!

Terry had actually been to this park last year, so he picked our first spot. We spent roughly the next 2 hours climbing up sand dunes, searching out wildflowers, bounding down sand dunes, strolling along the beach, and scribbling notes in the sand. A great morning, just the two of us with camera in hand, doing what we love to do together. Below is a sampling from both of our cameras. I always find it fascinating that Terry and I can be at the same place at the same time and we come away with completely different images! I wonder if any of our readers can tell who took which images...