Friday, October 23, 2015

Hiking the Beach at Redondo - A Joy

Beautiful Redondo Beach.  Who would think that on a weekend in L.A. you can find a long stretch of beach almost to yourself.  I reveled in the surf sounds and salty tang in the air, and most of all the warm sand under my feet as I walked and walked along for what seemed like happily ever after in this amazing fairy tale place. As a Pacific Northwest hiker in the mountain forests and trees, what a treat to walk along the warm beach in the sunshine.

Can you hear it?  The sound of the waves rushshshshshshing up on the sandy beach. Redondo Beach is a family friendly seaside playground that is packed with hidden treasures, and pockets of peace for solitude too.  Explore the natural wonders along this water's edge. 
Pack up your surfboard, towel, and your favorite beach toys, and head down to this Southern California water any season of the year!  Catch a wave at Redondo Beach! The serene coastline between the Redondo Beach Pier and Palos Verdes Peninsula provides novice and advanced surfers with waves they'll love
Obviously polka dots are in this season at the beach. This bird looks so much like a Eurasian curlew, although they aren't normally seen on the Pacific coast.  I think this is some type of curlew.

Others walking on the beach along with me

A resting Heerman's seagull

A variety of sights to enjoy and activities make long walks along the beach so enjoyable, including the occasional volleyball game

So, you may be asking yourself, where is Redondo Beach?  Well this information may help you.  

 With a long expanse of beach starting at the Redondo Pier and stretching all the way down the coast to the Palos Verdes Peninsula, there's plenty of space for anyone looking for a little sand spot of their own  

It was a great day for the locals who came out to catch a wave.  Many of the surfers were local teens

Enjoying their conversation and waiting for the right one.  Lots of patience on a beautiful day like this

Watching the sails through the spray from the waves on the rock outcropping

Suddenly popping up from the water after his fish lunch, this Black Brandt Cormorant hopped onto the rock outcropping and enjoyed the warm sun

There was lots of wing shaking and outspread wing turning involved in this cormorant's sunbathing

A couple of the young surfers take a break

Heading out

Surfers in the foreground, and the fun Redondo Pier in the background.  A great place for shops, restaurants, arcade, and a great boardwalk

Impromptu conference, but this place is not just for the birds.  

An exciting and relaxing day well spent.  Memories to sustain through the Pacific Northwest winter