It’s a good thing I always take my camera with me when I travel out of the Sacramento area. Typically, when I visit Alyse in San Jose, I will photograph the beautiful flowers in her neighborhood while I walk. We also go to the movies, which I seldom do at home. This trip in May, she wanted to take me to Pacific Grove. She said she would sketch while I photographed. An artist, Alyse hasn’t drawn or painted anything in years. I was delighted that she would be sketching.
As always, Pacific Grove was beautiful. It was the weekend and Alyse and I weren’t the only ones there! So, I tried to incorporate them into the pictures. You may have seen some of these images in a recent Lens-Artist post challenge on Blue and Green. In that post I promised that there would be more photos because I had just edited a few.
The Pacific Grove coastline is so lovely that I don’t think you’ll mind seeing a few pictures again! But I’ll try not to duplicate.
This tree attracted my attention even though the lighting was terrible. 
Visitors on a stretch of sandy beach. 
A young girl playing in the ocean’s froth. 
So many people on the rocks. 
Alone on the rocks. 
The tide washes in. 
The tide goes back out to sea. 
Alyse posing with a statue featured in my last Pacific Grove blog. 
The flowers are blooming on the shore. 
The rocks add texture and character to the scene. 
Cormorants sunbathing. 
Not the lone cypress, but alone anyway. 
The Lone Cypress. It’s supposed to by over 250 years old. It lost a limb in a storm, but has been examined and is okay. This iconic tree is the main attraction along the 17-mile drive.
I’m glad Alyse and I took this day trip. I have wonderful photographic memories and she has, what I hope to be, a return to doing her art.
Slow Shutter Speed 
😎 cool I have a camera and don’t travel. Thanks for sharing 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
I haven’t taken my camera traveling much either. I’m glad we have weekly outings.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Smart girl to bring your camera with you! You got some lovely shots – it really is a wonderful place, the Monterey Peninsula. Glad you had a good time with your friend, too.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks -N! It is a wonderful place. I forgot how beautiful it is.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Beautiful photos and congratulations to your friend going back to sketching.
LikeLike
Thanks Alessandra! Yes, I hope she starts painting again.
LikeLike
Great post, Anne. Love the last image and “alone on the rocks”
LikeLike
Thanks Ana!
LikeLiked by 1 person
These normal interactions like going out for the day with a friend seem so surreal, Anne. Maybe that is why I like the rock photos so much.
LikeLike
Thanks Tracy! I love the texture of rocks, especially when they are varied sizes.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Also, they’re still. 😄
LikeLike
A beautiful rocky coastline 🙂 I remember stopping to photograph the Lone Cypress when we did the 17 mile drive in 1991 – good to see it still going strong! Although I have to say I think your other lone tree is the more photogenic of the two 😀
LikeLike
Thanks Sarah! I agree with you, but the “alone” cypress wasn’t on the 17-mile scenic drive.
LikeLike
I absolutely enjoy this trip with you through your lens. All photos were beautifully captured, Anne. How wonderful to have a friend to travel with. I love the 17 mile drive, beautiful scenery. 🙂
LikeLike
Thank you Amy. Alyse is a great travel companion and fun to be with.
LikeLike