Morning Walk on the Beach
August 8, 2023
One fine August morning, I decided to visit Moonlight Beach in Encinitas, my adopted hometown, and see how everything looked.
By this I mean, is there sand on the beach? Are the kids back in school yet? I usually walk/run farther south at Cardiff State Beach where the sand is generally more plentiful and there are fewer people.
The lineup at Swami's
The last time I visited Moonlight the beach was mostly rocky due to all the winter storms last year.
The steps at Swami's
This time I was pleasantly surprised to find the sand had come back or washed up over the summer and I could easily walk from Moonlight all the way to Swamis.
When I turned around at Swami's is when I decided to take a few photos.
Old stairs leading up to the SRF, Swami Yogananda's Self-realization Fellowship.
So, these photos are from south to north, starting at Swami's.
Looking south.
The point between Moonlight and Swami's that juts out the farthest. It should have a name. It may have a name, but I don't know it.
Looking south at Point No Name
Paddle boarders like to ride up the beach and enter the water in this area. These are their bikes.
These boulders used to be part of the bluff until a few weeks ago. It's not a good idea to hang out near the bluffs.
Looking north toward Moonlight Beach you can see hundreds of day-camp surf lesson kids, junior life guard schools, volleyball camps, and plenty of parents hanging out taking photos and drinking coffee (or maybe wine!) out of their to-go cups.
This is the scene on weekdays all summer long. Kids camps north and south and in between.
Today was a little overcast and it was still early, so the main beach itself was not too crowded. This is the "new" beach safety building.
The palm tree in the middle of the beach was recently designated a "heritage tree". Not sure what the significance of such a designation means, but it's a nice tree. Don't cut it down or try to climb it, OK?
Looking north from the middle of Moonlight Beach,
Heading up on the ADA walkway toward the parking lot and the snack bar and bathrooms
More kids coming down from the parking lot! Just what we needed!
Encinitas contracts with the County for police services. There is a helipad at the north end of the parking lot and the sheriff's chopper had just landed. It's big and loud.
Looking out over the snack bar, beach, and the heritage palm toward the ocean.
We are lucky to live in such a beautiful city. Sometimes it feels good to slow down and appreciate it, like I did on this day.
Cheers!