CALI-FORN-I-A

I am a native North Carolinian, born and raised. I have visited MANY places around the world, Hungary, Austria, Czech Republic, Poland, Russia, Germany, Lebanon, Bahamas, the entire East Coast, Los Angles, San Francisco, Denver, and on and on. BUT, I have never been to a place so consistently gorgeous as Orange County, California. It is the only place - so far - that I would consider moving to from my beloved North Carolina. If you know me, that's saying something.

While the main reason of being in California was attending the shootshop, the alterior motive was a much needed vacation. So, Kim and I rested, relaxed, and along the way we took a few photos.

This is the iconic california image. He was on his way home and I asked him if he wouldn't mind letting me take his picture. He said, "sure thing dude," and a beautiful image was born.

I grabbed a shot of these girls chatting away as they waited for the sunset.

Funny Story. Kim and I decided to go under the Oceanside Pier and get a photo. As I was about to snap the image a wave snuck up on Kim and soaked her. This is her honest reaction to the COLD water.

This is taken from the pier looking back at Oceanside. I went a little nuts with the Fish Eye lens.

This is the view from our Hotel on the waterfront.

A bird's eye view of San Diego Zoo's Wild Animal Park. The huge yellow circle is a hot air balloon that simple goes straight up to give you a great view of the park. Of course, it was closed that day.

I told you California was gorgeous.

A family enjoying the setting sun.

Kim, relaxing and reading. We enjoyed just sitting there and listening to the waves crash.

going . . . going . . . gone.

Palm trees, sand, cool breezes and blue skies.

The famous Hotel Del Coronado.

go see California. It's worth it.