Spring. It’s sprung, at least this week and at least in the San Francisco Bay area and on the Monterey peninsula. And in Sonoma.
Here’s what I found on my street:
A carpet of ice plant signifying the start of spring
Down in Big Sur, the succulents are plump and green:
They grow like crazy in Big Sur
Some are even flowering:
So pretty!
Flowers in the wooden box at the Big Sur River Inn were so bright in the sunshine they almost hurt my eyes. My closeups were overexposed.
Something about the juxtaposition of flowers and rocks always gets my attention, especially with a succulent peeking out in the corner.
Yes, spring is singing its lungs out all over the Central Coast and especially at Point Lobos, where the super-blue sky is reflected in the Pacific, waves crash against rock and the beauty of nature is an aria that I never tire of hearing.
Point Lobos
And neither does this seagull. I caught him riding the air currents above our ferry back to San Francisco from Alcatraz earlier in the week:
CLICK HERE FOR SEAGULL ENJOYING SPRING ABOVE THE BAY NEAR ALCATRAZ
Up north in Sonoma, the vines were lovin’ the weather.
Budding grapes at Gundlach Bundschu
The pansies were happy, too.
Nicholson Ranch.
I love birds of paradise.
At Gundlach Bundschu
The stone basket is a nice counterpoint to the blooms.
Sunflower Caffe, Sonoma
Mine are also blooming in our yard at home.
at Gundlach Bundschu in Sonoma
Hardy souls peeking out.
at Sunflower Caffe, Sonoma
Full, happy pots. We left the cafe full and happy, too.
Nicholson Ranch, Sonoma
The background. It’s all the background.
But step back a bit and it’s a different still life.
A beautiful tasting venue.
Loving the tulip action.
I’ve always loved fall, but the fresh, reborn beauty of spring has its appeal, too.
Spring is here. Summer is around the corner. That’s as far as I’m thinking right now.
We may have to get past one more nor’easter next week, here in Philadelphia but your photos remind me of what is just a few weeks away, hopefully:)
Doreen McGettigan recently posted…Drum Roll Please, The A-to-Z Challenge Theme Reveal is Today
You all have had a long winter. Hope it ends soon.
Beautiful, Carol. Nothing says “spring” like some color amidst all this drab. I’m afraid we’re a ways off here so I’ll live vicariously through your pictures for now.
Karen @BakingInATornado recently posted…Fly on the Wall, March 2014
Have faith–spring is inevitable!
Thanks for sharing all the beautiful photos! Things are still pretty dull here in the mountains of New Mexico. I need to make my way to California again soon!!
Darlene Fadem recently posted…A Thrift Town Thrifty Makeover…Rebekah
Come on over!
Thank you for sharing these beautiful pictures. Here in Pittsburgh it is going to get colder again and snow a little bit more. The pictures remind me of what awaits us.
Kathy recently posted…A Balance Between Myself and Others
Hope it comes soon.
Here it is Sunday morning. I open my eyes and I have no idea what next I may like to do. I find my laptop on my bed. I open to cheek my mails. I find yours. I am here on this page. I feel great to see these lovely flowers. Thanks for being so sweet.
Puneet Kumar recently posted…Hello world!
Am so glad you enjoyed!
You are so lucky to live in the San Fran area. I’ve always wanted to visit; it looks so beautiful.
Lisa Froman recently posted…When Weeds Flower Into Blessings
I just showed two 20-something nephews all around and every time I do that I see it with new eyes. Again and again. It IS beautiful!
Oh, I am so envious! But we’ll get there. Eventually, we’ll get there! 🙂
Diane recently posted…Driving With Karen Caution
So beautiful! We are about 4 to 6 weeks behind you on the east coast; but you give me hope!
Kimba recently posted…March Means More Than Madness