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FOUR SEASONS BREEZE | NOVEMBER 2015 43 It's always the same; it's never the same. First, it's the warm sand tingling the soft soles of bare feet. Then the rush of sweet ocean air overpowering the olfactory senses. The surround sound of crashing waves and circling seagulls. And, finally the familiar hypnotizing view of the endless blue ocean stretching as far as the eye can see. It can be the same place at the same time of year and yet, this first step in "hitting the beach" is always breathtaking. You stand there transfixed staring at the surf as it rushes in and crawls back out to recharge itself. Small birds and children chase it out and quickly skedaddle inland in sync with the foaming brine. Farther out at sea a bobbing object is scrutinized. People point and ask, "Is that a seal, a dolphin, or a surfer?" A whale- watching boat is still farther from the shore. Do they see a pod? And then you scan the horizon. Your imagination takes hold. What is out there? Is it China, Japan, Hawaii or some other exotic place? But, each time is different also. The waves are bigger/ smaller; the tide is closer/farther; there are more/fewer birds than before or "it just feels different." It doesn't really matter because you are here at the beach. Forgotten is the 2.5 hour automotive slog on the 60-215-91-55 to PCH, idling around two accidents and numerous unending construction projects. You are AT THE BEACH. At Crystal Cove there are two choices: exploring south along rocky crags of tide pools or strolling north along sandy shores. From early childhood to senior serenity tide pools capture our attention seeking little treasures-alive, fossilized or lost-at-sea. Each receding wave opens a new surprise. For the slow of hand they will be quickly recaptured by the sea. For the quick it will be a souvenir more precious than a similar one purchased in a seaside shop. It will adorn a shelf for years to come. Some surprises can only be captured by camera — a prized image to be sent to grandma or grandchild with "Wish you were here." The slow, lingering walk along the sandy shore is saved for the last. It can be enjoyed with a friend, lover or small child. At water's edge chilly water swirls around toes and ankles and occasionally bare knees adding excitement along the way to nowhere. It matters not how many are on the beach, each in their own cocoon. Time stands still. But, the solo stroller also has a companion. It is their memory — of other strolls at other times with a parent, a child or a loved one. How fortunate to have that memory that only the beach can evoke with such clarity and emotion. Why does this day have to end? To find out where we are hiking in 2015 call or email Lynette Simonson, Hike Central at (951) 377-0392 or lynette. simonson@gmail.com. ~ Len Tavernetti Take a Hike L-R seated: Judi Rusche, Len Tavernetti, Bev McLaughlin, Adana Lamar, Mary Baer, Martha Frank, Ruth Tavernetti; Standing: Jim and Bertsy Seim, Bruce Heimlich and guest. Bonded We Install Crown Molding & Baseboards • Paint Cabinets Minor Repairs of Interior Drywall & Texture CALL FOR A FREE ESTIMATE! 909-208-6142 Lic. #423807 HIGH QUALITY • HIGH STANDARDS INTERIOR & EXTERIOR Stephen Elmore PAINTING SUN LAKES RESIDENT 10% OFF INTERIOR!