June 21st marks the first day of summer, the longest day of the year for us. The temps crept up into the 90's and has sent a shock wave into our systems here in northern California. I think every year we go from the mid 60's straight to the 90's, no in between to ring in the summer climate change. This year was no different.
So to help ease the temps on our northern California bodies, the kids and I headed to the beach.....where it is always 20 degrees cooler.
Pt. Reyes National Seashore is just a 30 minute drive from our front door to one of the many beaches we have to choose from. Our favorite, Heart's Desire was closed Tuesday so we drove five miles further to Kehoe Beach, our first visit.
The parking is along the street. At the entrance to the trail head you'll find some pit toilets. The walk to the beach is a .6 mile trek. Very do-able with kids. The trail is narrow though, so strollers aren't an option. Dogs are allowed, leashed, on a portion of the beach, but we decided to leave Chloe at home.
Just about there, just need to hike over the hill.
During the spring time, the trail is loaded with wild flowers. I love the color of this thistle we saw yesterday.
Ahhh....a nice cool 70 degrees near the water, but it felt like 80 as we were laying on the beach and the sand was too hot to walk barefooted on unless you were near the water.
We didn't go near the surf, this beach claims to have undertows and sleeper waves that can catch you off guard, but one of the reasons I chose this beach is the fact it has a creek that feeds into the ocean....perfect for kids to play in without worries.
We were having so much fun, we stayed for five hours.....plus I wanted an empty cooler to carry back to the car.....with two big eating kids, mission accomplished.
How did you ring in the first day of summer?
Click the link for directions and information on Pt. Reyes National Seashore beaches.
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so cute...they looked like they were having a blast !!!!!
ReplyDeletewe used to go over highway 17 from los gatos to santa cruz when i was a kid...it reminded me of it when i saw this....
back here in SLO john and I went shopping for a fountain for our garden...we love it...it sounds so pretty and reminds us of the one in the Old Mission garden here in San Luis.....
Happy Summer, my friend
kary and teddy
xo
I went to my 6 month dental cleaning appt. Not much fun, eh? Your first day of summer looks like a LOT more fun! LOL
ReplyDeleteCute pics of the kids!
Di
So beautiful there!
ReplyDeleteI made chocolate zucchini cake on the first day of summer - with zucchini from my garden and eggs from my chickens (proudfarmgirl)
too cute - an empty cooler as incentive to stay longer. :)
ReplyDeleteThis is sooo cool! Fun that you have something that awesome close to home and that you 3 can spend that time together!
ReplyDeletelooks like the kids had fun at the beach.
ReplyDeletePerfect summer day! Next time, I'm coming along!
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like a fun (and cool day)! It's amazing how much cooler the beach can be. Just another reason I love California...
ReplyDeleteOh how I miss the beach! It's been way too long.
ReplyDeleteThe first day of summer here in the UK was cold and very wet - not at all unusual. Once the climbing roses come out and reach their best then the rain comes and makes all the blooms look like wet dishcloths.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great day with lots of fun and new memories!! I love the beach, and your photos remind me of why!
ReplyDeleteWe rang in summer by catching up on time with the animals, the garden and our indoor projects.
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