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As the holidays sometimes can, this one brought a little depression, feelings of being overwhelmed and it can be difficult just watching the material rush and frenzy. On our journey, finances are always tight. Christmas has to take on new meanings, stepping away from material and grasping the simple, was our mission. Noelle gave us a night in Fort Bragg, California as a gift - an extended Monday adventure. For us, it is all about the journey, the road less traveled and maybe a bit of escapism. This year we missed Nicole, it was our first Christmas without her in a few years. She is living in Arkansas, and even though she was not with us, she was with my parents and many extended family members. Sadness was an adversary and one we would meet it face to face. If nothing else we are stubborn and always willing to work our way out of being controlled by emotions. Phil and I got up at 5:00 in the morning.....he started breakfast and I headed out to meet Kim of The Harbor Seals of Pacific Grove and she and I played Santa Claus. Kim and I placed a number of stuffed seals about town, to be found later. We laughed and giggled and I remembered what the holiday was about.....friends, family - LOVE!
That got the day off to a great start, the mood was already changing......We then packed our lunch, picked up Noelle and headed up the coast. One of our favorite places is the Golden Gate bridge, we got off to check out the view, but Christmas morning Golden Gate bridge viewing was packed. I lucked into a parking place and we took a few photos and we were off.
We headed up the coast, Ft Bragg was a nice drive ahead and we wanted to get up there by dark if we could. We headed up the coast and kept stopping down to a minimum.
We had found a great motel with mini golf as one of the amenities in Fort Bragg. When we arrived we were very pleased with the Emerald Dolphin Inn. Clean rooms, great location and friendly staff. Great experience. We did not get the chance to play mini golf, the course was closed on Christmas and we left before they opened the next day. We will make that a goal for another time, as we loved the idea of mini golf on vacation.
The first stop in the morning was the Glass Beach in Fort Bragg. We have seen photos and our curiosity was getting to us. We read as much as we could trying to find the best place to go look. To the Denny's, hook a left and you were there. When we first got out of the car and started to hike, we didn't see much. As we explored and walked along the tide pools we started seeing the glass, it was amazing. I have never seen that much sea glass ever. It was cloudy, early and the beaches were deserted but as the morning went on, the beach filled up. Beautiful, a definite must see if you are in the area - will not disappoint! Sea glass everywhere!!
We left heading south on Hwy 1, heading toward the Point Cabrillo Light Station. We saw the Skunk Train, cool signs and a glass shop that made me turn right around. The glass shop wasn't open, but I loved the window display and spent a little time admiring the jelly lamps from the outside.
Next stop the Point Cabrillo Light Station. We parked and headed out, down a trail that led into a golden field of grass. Hidden in the grass was deer, they were everywhere. Magical walk and when we arrived at the light station, there was beauty and a historic quaint light station. Not to mention an adorable educational building with an aquarium full of local marine life.
Wow we walked, we explored and we hiked some more. We were pretty wore out, but pleased with ourselves. Simple wonderful Christmas spirit ended up filling us. Thank you to all for you continued love and support. I want to take a minute to tell you that I know that it is love that continues to keep Phil and myself going. Even when it gets rough, there is love....Thank you very much, we look forward to our year with hope and gratitude. We headed toward home, admiring the beauty we saw on the way home......
Noelle got the photo below of Phil and I at the lighthouse. Thanks Noelle!
What a wonderful gift.......looking forward to the next adventure.
Each moment a blessing, a miracle and full of love.
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