Beach Camping

We went camping this weekend, at nearby Bolsa Chica Beach. David went and got the trailer on Tuesday so we'd have time to load things, then he took me to work on Thursday so he could pick me up later and we could head straight to the beach (I don't work on Fridays). On Friday evening David went down and did some surf fishing and I just enjoyed watching all the people arriving and getting set up for the weekend. It's really more of a parking lot with hook-ups, but in a beautiful spot. As I watched, I was struck by what a GUY thing camping is! These guys were all slaving away, running back and forth stabilizing things, fighting with chains and hoses, pop-outs and jacks. When they were finally finished, they would gather near someone's rig and rub the side of it and talk while drinking out of a can. They talked about numbers of cylinders, other place to camp, their kid's sports teams, hairy drives they have made, types of bait and the merits of various vehicles. They were all the owners of big strong noisy vehicles. From where I was sitting I couldn't see a single woman. It was a man's world! I'm always really grateful to David for all the work he does to get us to a campground... he even makes the reservations six months in advance! It really is nice to get down to the beach and just relax and have a change of pace! But you've got to want it!! 

In the picture you can see me sitting on a really interesting rock. It's hard to believe, but we actually discovered a new beach!! It's full of these rocks and tide pools and has always been inaccessible to the public until recently when the lease on the land ran out and it reverted back to the state. There's a group that's working to refurbish the beach shacks there and make them into rentals that can be reserved through the state system. Several are already finished. There is also a nice restaurant, a little store-art gallery and lots of picnic tables. You get to it by parking on the other side of the highway, walking down a long path and through a tunnel that goes under PCH, then when you come out you're at Crystal Cove! You can ride a shuttle both ways if you'd like. Next time you're heading down the coast, you've got to stop there! Parking is $10 during the summer, but is free if you eat at the rather pricey restaurant. I love this place and can't wait to go back!