The drive from Bodega Bay to the Russian River was spectacular today and it’s one of my favorite stretches of the vibrant California Coast.
Wave Break and Arch Rock
“The sea, once it casts its spell, holds one in its net of wonder forever.”
~Jacques Yves Cousteau
Duncan’s Cove
Seagulls and Clouds
“hark, now hear the sailors cry,
smell the sea, and feel the sky
let your soul & spirit fly, into the mystic…”
~Van Morrison
Bodega Headlands
Windblown Grasses
Morning Walk, Sonoma Coast State Park
Ice Plant, California Coast
Birds
“All my life I have lived and behaved very much like the sandpiper just running down the edges of different countries and continents, looking for something.”
~ Elizabeth Bishop
Lovely! One of my favorite stretches of coastline.
Hi Michael, Thanks! It’s quite incredible, isn’t it? Glad you liked this series.
Getting a good salt rush from these great fresh air shots Jane!
Hi Patti- Love your sensory reaction! Happy you like these– thanks very much.
What a slice of heaven this is ~ the Sonoma Coast, and your series of shots here flow well, especially like the “Ice Plant” such a great contrast/complement to the expanse and hues of the beach and ocean.
Thank you, Randall. It really is heaven at any time of year. I am assuming you’ve been? Such exciting unspoiled beauty. So glad you enjoyed these.
I was down there a couple years ago…drove to Big Sur and fell in love with the place.
Ooh, that’s one of my favorite drives…
Gorgeous images! I just love the California coast. I also need to thank you for identifying that Ice Plant for me. I saw some while visiting in September and wondered what it was..so beautiful.
Hi Susan -Thank you so much! It’s a dynamic and beautiful spot, isn’t it? And you’re welcome about the Ice Plant which I usually often mistakenly call a Fire Plant– guess in my mind it has more colors of fire than ice…. Glad you enjoyed.
each picture looks like it is flowing with the wind 🙂
Hi Joshi, And I was flowing with them 🙂 It was quite windy and cold which made for some dramatic images. Thanks so much!
Beautiful images, Jane. I like how you’ve processed them. The slight grainy texture makes them look exquisite.
Thanks, Uday. I use a combination of post -usually Nik and LR. Glad you like them.
Looks beautiful and relaxing 🙂
It certainly is, Maja. One of our favorite spots on the coast. Good chowder, too. 🙂 Thanks for your visit.
What a stunning drive Jane. Loved the ice plants, they look almost like coral
Thank you, Pauline. It’s fascinating how the ice plant changes with the light. Glad you enjoyed.
Beautiful shots of the coastline.
Thanks very much, David. This area is quite fabulous.
Wonderful!!! After coming home from our road trip this weekend, we started to talk about our next one. We’ll definitely go to the coast this spring. I can;t wait. It’s been waaaay too long. Great shots!
Thanks, Maria! So many beautiful places to explore…😊
I like especially the ice plants and the birds.
Thanks very much, Awa. I’m happy that you do.
Lovely sweeping landscapes…
Thanks very much, Sally. Sonoma is the epitome of coastal beauty.
beautiful, but, oh so jealous—my favorite drive also…mc
Thank you, MC. You must come out again soon and we will have an adventure.
Very dramatic. 🌊☀️
Indeed, Wendy. The day before was much stormier– saved for another time. Thank you so much!
Love these images Jane – you bring magic to the screen with your finds. Gorgeous views, lucky you! I see the gulls looks like they are having a conference down on the beach!
Hi Mary– And what you could do capturing these scenes with your paintbrush. I’m glad these appealed to you… the birds are much friendlier than in the movie. Thank you so much!
Gorgeous photos today, Jane. I especially like the beach/surf/sky photos and all of those lovely shades of Blue.
Ω
Thank you, Allan. What an inspiration the coast is to me. Happy you enjoyed these.
Great memories. Hernary
Hi Hernry– hahaha. Thanks so much, friend.
Waves and rocks always do it for me! Great photos.
Hi Linda– Me, too. Such fun to photograph– reminds me of our time in Sydney together exploring the coast. Thank you!
Nice shots! The light looks different than your summer photos. Love the ice plants. Reminds me of your Hawaiian succulents.
Hi Jane- A very different feel in the winter – plus it was quite cold and windy which was a bit of a challenge. I’m pleased that you saw a correlation to the Hawaii shots– I am working on a project in this theme. Thank you!
Oh the sea, the beautiful sea… Enjoyed my stroll..
Thank you, Linda. I’m happy you took a walk with me– wish it were in person….
California is truly one of the prettiest places on earth!
I must agree with you, Yvette. Many places to explore and this morning was a winner. Thank you very much.
😉
Oceans , seas , water..you cannot go wrong and you , of course ,didn’t! xx
Aw, thank you, Paula. Your sweet comments are much appreciated. 🙂
Beautiful coastal pictures but I just love the ice plant!!
Hi Noortje– Our love for close-ups…and these plants are beauties. I’m happy you liked this set– thank you!
Your images really catch the eye, they are so engaging.
Thank you, Charlie. This morning was quite dynamic and the colors were so vivid. A great recipe!
The ocean is really a soul catcher. Lovely pictures.
Well said, Lena. I love to watch the crashing waves (as you will see in my photos…) I’m happy you enjoyed this one. Thanks so much.
Great series of beautiful photographs
Thank you very much, Lim Soo. I appreciate your kind comments.
I also loved the ice plants! I hope you don’t mind, but I forwarded your beautiful pictures
of this drive to our son who just moved out there about 6 months ago! If he hasn’t taken that drive, I know he would love it!
Hi Mary Lynn, Of course! Always happy for you to share and it’s great your son is out here…then maybe you will be visiting. 🙂 If he needs any recommendations, please put him in touch with me. Thanks for appreciating this series!
Wonderful capture…always love water 😀
Thanks so much, Hedy. Me too…and this part of the coast is so dynamic and wild.
I love water….
Beautiful shots Jane – I’m with Jack on the ice plants
Thanks so much, Tina. They are such beautiful plants lining the coast. Glad you like them.
Wonderful photos, as usual. All great, but I think I like the ice plant photo in particular.
HI Jack, Thanks very much. I am a bit obsessed with ice plants with their brilliant colors and changing intensity depending on the light. I have quite a catalog going. Happy you liked this one.
Fantastic. Love it
Thanks so much, Rajiv. Much appreciated.
Ah! You’ve been photographing my “backyard” again! 🙂
Hi Frank, And what a fabulous one it is! What a great weekend although we didn’t realize it was the Chowder Festival on Saturday– so busy. Fabulous on Sunday for photos. Thanks so much! 🙂
I see we got The Birds in since you were at Bodega Bay!
So true, Linda but these were nice birdies. The town of Bodega has a lot of Hitchcock memorabilia. Glad you enjoyed this one. Thanks.