A Walk in the Wind

Well, despite the promises, no rain developed. Not here in my town anyway, though it probably was raining closer to the mountains.

So I went for a walk on the beach....in the wind. That is not me; she's jogging and I never did enjoy running; it feels alien to me. But walking...that's another story altogether.

As you can see in this view from the end of the Long Beach pier, there were many clouds scudding above. They kept trying to move south and out over the water, but they never made it very far. I did feel a drop or two come down, but these gorgeous clouds kept most of the precipitation securely locked up within their fluffy white selves.



Eventually the clouds retreated north again and gathered themselves in huge dark masses up against the distant mountains. Down here on the shore, however, we enjoyed clear blue skies. And did I mention the wind? Yes, it was very windy. Howling in my ear and whipping my hair around in all directions. I was grateful for my well insulated vest keeping me warm.



While the clouds were still playing around overhead, shadows would move across the water and create darker bands. That is Catalina Island you see looming large all across the horizon.



And now I am standing where you see those people in the photo above on the pier, looking at the same two ships without the zoom and catching most of Catalina Island beyond, which you can see better if you click to enlarge the photo.



Bands of shadow also raced across the sand. There is downtown Long Beach. There were quite a few people out and about on the beach walkway and fishing on the pier.



The strong wind drew the kite boarders (kite surfers). It was fascinating to watch them start on the beach and then walk out into the water and surf off under the power of the wind. Do you see the third one? He is way, way out there. I was amazed at how quickly they moved about on the water.

So....I walked 4.5 miles today, partly on the cement path that runs along the beach and partly down on the sand. And, since I was there anyway, why not stop for lunch at the Belmont Brewing Company at the foot of the pier! I had their delicious Italian rice salad with grilled chicken, capers, and artichoke hearts. Healthy and tasty. Another pleasant day. I have no idea what I will do tomorrow but if it is photo worthy, you'll know about it.