CFFC and Sunday Stills: More California Landscapes

Posted byDawn PalmerPosted inBeach, Landscape, PhotosTags:, , , ,

Summer is finally here. In usual fashion, I tried to get outdoors before it was blazing hot. This past weekend, I visited one of my favorite beaches, Salt Creek Beach in Dana Point, California. I was pleasantly surprised to find the fog had burned off early in the morning, which allowed me to enjoy the beach before the crowds.

Low tide at Salt Creek State Beach, Dana Point, California, on an unusually clear June morning.

I also visited Big Bear Lake up in the San Bernardino National Forest. I found areas that were still really green (this is a surprise to me, because I see mostly burned areas from the valley), and the air was clearer and cooler. Many parts of the road were lined with tall, bright yellow flowers–if only there was a safe place to take photos of all the flowers!

Vista of San Bernardino National Forest and road to Big Bear, California.

There are extensive roads through the backcountry that lead to primitive camping sites and hiking trails. It was peaceful–lots of butterflies, birds, and wind whispering through the pine tops.

Back road leading away from south shore of Big Bear Lake to primitive campsites and hiking trails.

Big Bear Lake has not escaped California’s drought, but still provides beautiful vistas.

South shore of Big Bear Lake, California, used to cover all of the green areas that are now meadows.
Kayakers are undeterred, while the docks are distorted by the receding shoreline of Big Bear Lake, California.

The downtown area, which runs perpendicular to the shoreline, is shaded with a variety of trees and decorated with flowers; it is a neat area to grab lunch or dinner. There are quite a few outdoor fireplaces and fire pits with seating amongst the pine trees and breweries–I bet they’re great when it gets cooler.

Lastly, I will share my summer solstice photos. I planned to take photos at sunset, but did not realize my view would be blocked by the LA mountains–poor planning on my part. I am used to being on the beach with an unobstructed view. I think the colors were still brilliant and stayed true to the first day of summer. I am sharing for Cee’s Fun Foto Challenge (CFFC) – Landscapes or Waterscapes and Terri’s Sunday Stills – Summer Solstice.

First sunset of summer in southern California.
On first day of summer, sun sets behind LA mountains in southern California.
Summer solstice in southern California.

I hope everyone has a peaceful summer!

Published by Dawn Palmer

I am an avid nature and ecology lover and enjoy sharing my photography in my blog writings. I will often be out early in the morning or late in the evening with my camera, trying to capture the peacefulness and beauty around me.

25 thoughts on “CFFC and Sunday Stills: More California Landscapes”

    1. Thank you! 😊 Anything to escape the heat. You would probably like the paddle boarding at Big Bear. I saw quite a few people out there doing that and lots of stores in town for water sports.

      Liked by 1 person

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  11. Absolutely beautiful photos from last weeks challenge. I’m trying to make sure I get to everyones posts. Big Bear looks like a great recreation spot. I haven’t ventured much into California.

    Liked by 1 person

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