Adios a Ventura

Sadly, today is our last day in Ventura.  As beach towns go, it's quite pretty.  Because it's off-season, there weren't many crowds.  Our RV park was extremely well located, being within walking distance of a pretty downtown and a grocery store, and within bicycling distance of nearly everything.  We had miles of bike trails all directions - up and down the coast, and inland to Ojai.  The beach was right next door, as was an interesting wetland and nature preserve.  Plus, we had a chance to visit with Connie and Karen, one of our sets of RV friends.

We decided to end this visit by offering some photos of the beach that lies just beyond our front yard.

Here's a photo of our favorite mysterious decorated beach structure, at high tide with the waves lapping about it:

The waves were active and splashed up on the rocky shore.  Looking north, the foam and rocks make a striking picture:

As we watched the waves lap upon the rocks, we were surprised to hear the rounded rocks clacking against each other as the waves pulled back from the beach.  We decided that a video would be dramatic, so here it is.

Looking inland, the wetland and grasses made a colorful foreground to a train trestle and the local hills:

Because of the clouds, the beach itself made a dramatic photo in shades of grey:

Kathy spotted a seal pup sporting in the shallow water right beside us, and we caught a snapshot of him before he dove and swam away:

Seal pups weren't the only ones enjoying the lively waves.  Here's the ubiquitous surfer, lazily paddling out to get in position for a wave or two:

In the estuary, the shore birds were lazing about.  In this shot, downtown Ventura, and the lush greenery along its beach promenade, are in the background:

One more of the estuary with the hills behind.  Note the blue skies inland to the east, contrasted with the slate grey, cloudy skies over the ocean in the photo further above:

We seem to have encountered a bird convention.  At least they must have been of a feather and flocking together:

Walking back to the RV park from the Ventura beach promenade, we crossed the railroad tracks and thought to record this little icon:

The rest of today was spent in chores, errands, planning and logistics.  So, Ventura, these are our goodbye notes.  Next stop is Malibu, with a flight to Tom O's and Michelle's wedding, and then Thanksgiving with Jackie and Darla.