Año Nuevo, Northern California

In the middle of July I suddenly realized I've been pretty much everywhere in Bay Area, in some cases, many-many times over. Honestly, I had something similar to a panic attack, a condition when the brain just switches off and the heart runs at 100 miles an hour. I am addicted to discovering new places near and far. To lose the opportunity to do it nearby is one of my biggest fears. (Interesting if there is a phobia for it?) I opened Google Map and stared at it for a minute or so. No way, it's impossible, how could I've seen the whole Bay Area? And, thankfully, I haven't. Well, I saw a lot, but still, there is so much to see. Suddenly, I remembered a sign for Ano Nuevo state park on our way to Santa Cruz a few weeks earlier. I've been to Santa Cruz many times, obviously, but only recently I've noticed the sign for Ano Nuevo, which is basically a few minutes south of Pigeon Point Lighthouse. Here we had our destination for our weekend adventure. The life goes on. Phew!

When Robert and I arrived to Ano Nuevo and paid $10 for entrance, I couldn't believe we've never been there before! What a beautiful, hidden gem. Trust me, there is no place on the California coast quite like Ano Nuevo State Park and it has became our favorite spot to visit this past summer, which means not so many people there, at least not yet. And now, writing about it, I feel a little guilty, but I do want to share this new find with you as it does deserve more attention and love. The morning was beautiful, slightly foggy, quite windy, but what a gorgeous spot. Since our first morning in Ano Nuevo, we've been there four or five times, and each time it was just a pleasure to be there under any weather conditions.

So if you are from Bay Area or visiting us in our beautiful part of the world, do yourself a favor and go to Ano Nuevo for a morning walk. Come early (park opens its gate at 8 am) as in the morning you will definitely find yourself witnessing the nature morning routines of birds, rabbits, snakes and...elephant seals. Speaking of elephant seals, these creatures are hanging on Ano Nuevo's beaches 24/7, because, wait for it, Ano Nuevo is the site of the largest mainland breeding colony in the world for the northern elephant seal. I can't wait to visit this park in winter when huge male elephant seals (1000 pounds each) migrating thousands of miles to reach Ano Nuevo to mate and then give birth to thousands of pups annually. Quite a discovery, isn't it? And all of it is just 40 minutes away from my home.

Frankly, we often don't see treasures in front of our nose as we instead are dreaming and chasing mirages on the horizon, killing time with small talk, doing things we are supposed to do to be a normal member of society. I truly used to think that being always engaged and never alone is, as the matter of fact, being normal. What a mistake. But fortunately, the realization of a true state of being normal and happy came to me in a form of understanding that I am most happy when alone, but let me make it clear not lonely. I try to spend as much time as possible by myself or share it with my husband by sitting together on the shore while enjoying spectacular sunrise, most likely having the same thoughts but not saying a word to each other. I am still learning to enjoy the sound of silence, to hear what’s happening around me and inside myself. The first step is just simply to leave your phone at home during your weekend. Because, indeed, the world can wait.

Anyway, I am not forcing you here to change your habits...

As a photographer, my attention was on ruins of Ano Nuevo Island. Its old house is like something from the Hitchcock movies. Once it was home of the keeper of the lighthouse that also once stood on the island. Quite a view, I must say! No doubt, a great location for a mystery movie. I still didn't get a picture of it the way I want, which is another reason for me to keep coming back to Ano Nuevo.

By the way, right before the turn to the Ano Nuevo park, you'll see a sign for pies... Do stop and try the pies (I considere buying their pie for my Thanksgiving table, but shhh.) They also have a store full of truly delicious local farm delights. Their pasta is particularly outstanding as well as the jams.

That's it for today. The Holidays are just around the corner which means it’s time to start thinking of menus, maybe trying cooking a few new dishes before the actual event. This year Robert and I are hosting a Thanksgiving dinner for the first time in our home (usually we are the guests). I've never cooked a turkey by myself or any other Thanksgiving dishes. I always was on the assisting role for a big dinner. Not this year. So if you have any tips or recipes, please do share with me.