Winter in California

We spent a good portion of our winter visiting Jenny’s family in California. Here are a few pictures for your enjoyment. I had written a post with our experiences there, but instead opted to focus on pictures. It is my observation that physically California is a very beautiful place. Its spirit on the other hand is something else entirely. This time around I told Jenny that after nearly 8 years living there I finally felt like a Californian. The realization made me laugh and shudder. Luckily, I can be multiple things at once so here’s to being back in New Jersey.

Get ready for a lot of ocean pics.

Big Sur, California. It is one of my favorite places in the world. Due to the location and terrain it feels like the point where nature, civilization, and the void intersect.

I love to bike. In California I am lucky enough to be able to just walk out of the house and follow a path that eventually leads to the beach. It’s not that close lol. It’s 14 miles one way, but totally worth it.

Mussel Shoals. Unlike the Jersey Shore there are endless miles of coast thats relatively undeveloped in California. And some beaches you can find temporary surfer camps although they aren’t the friendliest guys around.

California is the fruit basket of America. One of my favorite citrus towns is Ojai in Ventura County. The weather is always primo here and even though the town has grown in the last 5 years it still has a quiet vibe. I would ride my bike for miles and come upon stands along the side of the road selling citrus.

Irvine, California. You’d swear this town was designed by Germans. The local roads have speed limits of 55mph, and everyone goes 70mph.

In & Out the California classic. It’s where Jenny first got a taste of working in food.

Oh you thought California was all beaches and mountains? Nope. It’s still one of the top crude oil producers in the country. How’s that environmentalism working out for you?

Contrary to what you might think, this is the most Orange County pic ever.

McWay Falls.