Another day "By" the pier - December 11, 2009

A storm came through last night, it rained tremendously. The sky is still gray, the ocean is churning from the storms effect. The streets are full of cars, I guess nobody wanted to walk on this dreary day.

Not much parking today, so I ended up having to walk about 15 blocks, but at least most of the walk was facing the ocean. The beach looked empty, but some die-hard surfers were enjoying the larger waves. (I think they are a little nuts, the water is scary today.)

I ate lunch inside today, too much wind whipping the slight rain into my face... Maybe on Monday I'll be able to go to the pier again, I don't think I'll ever get sick of the view.

The Surfer - December 10, 2009

The surfer is not out to prove herself to anyone, only out to enjoy the water, to improve her skill and strength against the challenge of the surf. The water is cold, thank goodness for wetsuits!

The spray stings her face as she passes through a crashing wave, another one crashes before she is able swim past the breaking point. It has been over five minutes since she got into the water, and unfortunately I do not have the time to watch her ride in and conquer today. I will try to be back tomorrow, I hope she will be here too...

The beach - December 10, 2009

I am sitting on the pier at Manhattan Beach in California, watching the waves, the surfers fighting against the current and trying to ride the waves in. The seagulls are screeching and flittering about. The sun is shining and the breeze is sweet and salty. The pier is beautifully decorated in lights for the holidays as the palms sway in the breeze.

The sound if the ocean is frightening yet so relaxing, white foam crashes into the sand washing away any sign of human life.

What a wonderful morning, I am fortunate to observe.

It occurs to me that the water is blue green, not brown, except where it mixes with the sand. The sand on the beach is fine, each grain blending in with the others around it, creating a smooth surface, it almost looks like a sheet of glass, dull and tan.

The locals seem to take advantage of the beautiful sights as they walk, run or bike ride. I am the intruder here, yet no one disturbs me as I watch. I man preparing for a bike ride in the cold air says hi to me as I write, complains of the cold but leaves me to myself.

What life must be like to live so close to the ocean, I will try to enjoy working close by as much as I can.