Laguna Beach and Another Cave

After our hiking adventure at Aliso Wilderness Park, we decided to drive home on the coast. The park is just one ridge away from the ocean. We weren't really sure where we were going. We just drove west.

We ended up on a road with an amazing view of the north end of Dana Point. It is so much fun to discover someplace new in a place you've been many times.

As we headed north on PCH, we entered Laguna Beach, one of my most favorite of towns. We drove over a bridge and I saw a sign, "Hey! That's the creek we were just hiking by!"

Aaron did a quick u-turn and we went and checked it out.

Sure enough, Aliso creek was the very same creek that runs through Aliso Creek Wilderness Park and ends up at the

ocean!

It was a beautiful afternoon so we decided to explore a bit more. The surf was rough that day and we watched the waves crash on the beach for a while.

There was a playground. That's always a hit with the kiddos.

But the best part was when we found another cave!

We got scared out of the cave by very big waves crashing uncomfortably close as the tide was coming in. It brought about a whole discussion of tidal waves and so we knew it was time to go.

After an early dinner, we watched the sun set on the water.

Perhaps we'll add "end the day at the beach" to the day after Thanksgiving hike.

Sometimes I lament living in Southern California: the crowds, the expense, the lack of wide open spaces. But on days like this, I realize afresh how much I have to be thankful for.