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Hi Jim,
My husband and I are working on a documentary-- the centerpiece
being the '60s surf scene in Newport Beach. We are trying to find
photos from '50s '60s era of Balweek--parties, groups of people
having a good time, the traffic and such. Do you, by chance, have
any we could purchase? (we could scan and return)
Thanks!
Ann Chatillon
annchat@sbcglobal.net
Hi Jim!
Our family here in hot, hot, Phoenix have enjoyed your website. We
have vacationed in Balboa every summer for one week for the last 15
years with our three children.
We have always rented from "old-timers" who are the original owners
of their property.
The first 12 years we rented from Dortha and Jesse Sell at 1009 E.
Balboa.
The last 3 years we rented from Lorranie and Don Morrison at 1005
E. Balboa.
Now both of landlords have become elderly and are unable to rent on
a weekly basis so...
we need to find a new place to stay.
I saw that you have listed Burr-White on your website so I
contacted them but they ONLY rent Saturday-Saturday and we need a
place Monday July 27 - Monday, August 3.
What's a desert-dweller to do?
Please advise... is there any body or any business you recommend
besides Burr-White?
G. M. Klees
Phoenix, AZ
gklees@cox.net
Hi Jim,
I have a real good question this time. A very good friend of mine
tells me she saw railroad cars on the campus of Newport Harbor high
when she was a kid. She graduated from high school in 1968 so no
later than early 60s for the rr cars. Do you recall this at all?
We have an idea that one of the cars might be the one some well off
fun loving guys took to Catalina on a barge so they could claim to
have ridden the train to Catalina. Any possibility in that?
And one for me as I am running out of ideas and I may just have to
write the ex-wife who knows all and sees all! Does anyone recall a
restaurant in the Airport area that was designed to look like we
were all dining in a New York tenement house alley with laundry
hanging from clothes lines well above the diners? It sounds weird
but I swear it existed. I can find no references to it at all.
I am still always looking for anything on the old Rendezvous as
well. From the surf music days 1960-1966 only, not the grand old
big band era.
I went to school with guys from Dave Myers and the Surftones and
The Centurions…it was a fun time to be a high schooler! Thank so
much,
Barry Kazmer CMHS 1965
bkazmer39@aim.com
Just read an article in Sunset about Balboa and
so many memories came back to me. I spent many Easter week
vacations as a kid in Newport and on the Island. I am now back in
California; high desert and would love to stay a couple of night
somewhere near the ferry. Everything has really changed!!!! Any
ideas??? B&B maybe? I am 62 now, and haven't been there since I
was 17! thanks!
Annie
Brqanne@aol.com
Jim
My name is Beau Boise, I live in Boise Idaho .I am looking for my
cousins, Gennie and Jimmy Jones. They are the children of Evan
Jones the ferry man. Evan was my grandmothers brother. Anyway I
have not seen or heard from them sense there Mom died. If you could
give Jeannie, Gennies my email or email me back an address I would
appreciate it. Any INFO would be greatly welcomed.
Thanks
Beau Boise,421 So. Walnut St. Boise Idaho
reuben4beau@yahoo.com
what was the restaurant named that was where the
shore house cafe is now? they used to serve exotic fare.
the good life in virginia
in2vintagecloths@ntelos.net
We are going to Balboa for father's Day. We
like to be on the graay area by "A" street. Can we bring our puppy
if we keep him off the sand?
Michelle
michelle@cutsfitnessoc.com
Hi Jim, what has happened to the site? I miss seeing my
beautiful Balboa, especially when it is 96 degrees and 83%
humidity here in Tampa Bay. Hope to see June issue soon.
Ann
zanetta@juno.com
Hey Jim! Last month you had an article on Shannon Wellborn and Bay
Front Cafe. Do you still have the article? I would love a copy.
Jann Rowe
jann@clever-mktg.com
did breeze die? how?
jeff coyle
jikml@yahoo.com
My husband Bill and I lived in Balboa in 1968-69
and I worked on Balboa Island at Dad's Donut's for Dad Anderson,
the original owner (I think) who was from Sweden, a wonderful man
to work for. He made delicious fruit cakes and donuts, and I stood
up there in the window and sold hundreds of frozen bananas,which I
can prove because I have a picture of me standing in that window
and one of Dad and I taken standing in that shop in 1968. I would
dearly love to have a recipe for their frozen bananas. I would send
them a picture of their shop in 1968 if they would send me a recipe
for a frozen banana. I can tell you that John Wayne 'The Duke'
loved Dad's donuts as he stopped by many times for donuts to take
to the studio with him, and his wife Pilar did business at the shop
next door at times. Also I rode my bicycle past Buddy Epsen's house
twice a day going to and from work, as I rode the ferry back across
to Balboa. I loved the Newport Beach area very much and have many
happy memories of it.
Barbara Wills
Cityslicker8956@yahoo.com
Are you still looking for pictures of Joe Beek?
He developed realestte in Northern California and my parents worked
for him. I have lots!
Anita
inliiibld@sbcglobal.net
This from Bruce Elliott (Ret US Marines) who
used to live in Balboa.
I didn't know Kieth but maybe you folks did. I knew they moved from
Balboa to the desert.
In case you run into anybody that knows Kieth Caroselli..
he died of cancer on 5/6/09
The Celebration of Life is this Saturday... 5 June @ PDCC @ 5PM
18 July there will be a burial at sea... NBYC 11AM Bay & Jamboree
fyi
Kieth's wife name is Dawn..
Kieth's sister's name is Lee
Jim, thanks for the article about Rich. We
really appreciate it! I just wanted to let you know that the phone
number for us at the bottom of the article is incorrect. To reach
us, you would call 949 677 3134 Is it possible to change it?
Thanks again,
Carrie
cbaranoski@att.net
Jim, I enjoyed your web page. I am the son of Frank Kiech who built
and operated the Leading Lady out of the Balboa Pavilion. If you
would like some photos of the boat, let me know. I have my dad's
photo album of The Leading Lady. I live in Costa Mesa.
Jim Kiech
jjkiech@gmail.com
Thanks Jim
I often direct people to your site because they don't know the
difference between the Island and the Peninsula. Yours is the
best Peninsula information.
Carolyn Carr
www.balboa-island.com
Hi Jim:
Bonnie and I are relatively new residents on the Peninsula, owned
for
5 years...full time residents since January 2008. Our daughters
preceeded
us.
I am trying to find the starting time of the Balboa Parade this
Sunday...
on
www.talesofbalboa.com
it seems unspecified.
If anyone should know...it would be you.
Don Gerber
flowblueman@aol.com
OMG! I just came across this website. Standing
at my kitchen sink in Tucson, Arizona I had a thought of Balboa and
when I lived there on the peninsula as a child in the '60's,
pre-Beatles era. I lived and played over by the Morgan House. Next
to the Morgan house lived a family with their grandfather who sat
out in front watching the children play in the street. He gave us
pennies that we took over to the Fun Zone Penny Arcades. A penny
bought so much then.
I attended third and fourth grades at the Newport Elementary school
on the beach. My third grade teacher, whose name I don't remember,
was a tall slender thin lipped and heavy eye lidded French looking
woman who wore her hair pulled back tight in a bun. Her favorite
phrase when making a point was "it should behoove you". My fourth
grade teacher was Mr. Katnip...not sure about the spelling, he
would perform 'The Soupy Shuffle' in class from time to time.
I also remember a boyfriend, tall, tanned and cute, who befriended
me when I needed a friend. I'm sorry to say I don't remember his
name. He gave me a pair of cut-off jeans to wear because I didn't
have much in the way of play clothes. I loved those cut-off's. Some
mornings before catching the bus for school, we would run over to
the bakery at the south end of the Fun Zone filling up on jelly
filled donuts. His mother worked at the Balboa Market.
He and I would sit on top of the bait store roof at the end of
Balboa pier watching the sun set. I can still feel the cool early
evening breeze coming off the salty water brushing my face and how
it felt to have his hand holding mine. Ah, young love.
I would love to hear about from others about the Morgan House, the
Balboa Market, and my young boyfriend.
Thank you for your response. I did have fun recalling those
old childhood memories....writing them even brought a few tears to
my eyes.
I'm so glad I found your site. I will be a regular visitor.
Virginia
info@zebradezign.com
Do you have any pictures of Marine Avenue
Businesses? We are making a postcard for the Marine Avenue Business
Improvement District, but we need pictures of the Marine Avenue.
Nancy Burroughs is making us a postcard but we need pictures. Can
you help?
Kathy Wales
marthasbookstore@roadrunner.com
Hi Jim..
Lived and ran around Balboa Peninsula late 70's, early 80's. Saw
your article which mentioned Ron White and Max Dillman. Happened to
know them both. Just wondered what happened to other people that
were there in that time frame. Some names that come to mind are
"Tree Top", Breeze (bartender at Class of 47), Patti Culvyhous,
Daryl (Ron White's roommate at one time). I know that Ron Ballard,
Pat Riley and Jim Cherry are gone. Not looking to contact anyone.
Just curious to see who's around. What happened to Dillman's?
Micasa?
Thanks Jim. Appreciate the info, as gruesome as it
is... but hey, age is getting to us all. Breeze was
fairly young.. do you know what he died of? It's hard
to be believe that anyone got fired from the NC..
Again, thanks.
Debbie Cherry
debcherry@msn.com
Hi, I am doing research on the old Snug Harbor
Bar, and I haven't had a whole lot of luck. Could you possibly
point me in the right direction? I am looking for old pics, bios,
stories, anything!!!!!
Thanks
Frank McNaughton
FrankMc9999@aol.com
Jim- I love your site....WOW-lot's of great
info! I do not think you are missing a thing! I appreciate your
support of local business's and have a request: would it be
possible to change the photo of Island Marine Fuel on your site. It
stills shows the Ol' "76" Ball which has been gone for almost 6
years now. We are an official "Valvtect Marine Fuel" Marina which
pumps only "Premium Valvtect Marine Diesel Fuel and Gasolines".
Also we have a web site:
www.Islandmarinefuel.com Thanks in advance Jim and
thanks again for your support!
David Beek
davidbeek@earthlink.net
Jim: I am a mate with the Oasis Sailing Club,
and I use the Tide website for each time that I sail. Yesterday,
when I checked the site, it was down. The wind site went down about
six months ago and never did come back. Is the Tide website fated
for the same demise? Please let me know as I use it a lot. Thanks a
lot. Out sailing today.
Later,
Linda Ignatius
lignatius@ca.rr.com
I was thinking about Newport Beach when I was in
high school and Mearle's Drive-in and googled, got this site. Ran
across a name I have not thought of in years, Dick Stahler and if
he is the same guy I knew he grew up on the peninsula, B Street and
his dad was a dentist. We were also pals with Jack Stoneback who
lived across the street from me on Seville? Me and wife and
daughter live in Grass Valley, Calif. in the Sierra Foothills, 60
miles north of Sacramento. Traded surf boards and Hobie Cats for
Mustangs (wild horses), donkeys and mules on 5 acres.
Always thought I would miss the ocean view, how great September in
Newport was when the tourists went home, Blackie's, the Snug (Snug
Harbor) etc.
Passed thru Newport in April last year on the way to Hotel Del and
cruised the pier and the peninsula. Not much different then in 1959
/ 1960's when Skip Crane and I sailed around the bay in a Rhodes 33
his dad let us use for cleaning docks, etc. at South Coast Boat
Company by the Crab Cooker. If any of you guys remember me feel
free to contact me. I had a 54 chevy, white with a small block
vette motor and running gear, cruised Mearle's all the time.
Tim Gore
ctgore@msn.ccom
Hi, Jim, it's Annabelle.
I'm the blind young woman who once went sailing on the M.V. Phoenix
when it was on Catalina Island. Now, when I click on that link to
hear the whistle, I hear nothing! Same thing goes with those other
sound links. Is there a possibility that you could at least send
the Phoenix whistle to me in an MP3 attachment via Email? I would
kindly appreciate it.
Annabelle Morison
foristnights@comcast.net
This is the most wonderful place to visit (your
Tales of Balboa). As a child, I lived in Balboa on Miramar Drive
from 1941-1946. My father was in the army and my mother worked for
Southern County Gas Company. Although it was a difficult time
(WWII) for adults, for the children it was a marvelous fun place to
live. I remember swimming out about half way in the bay to a boat
called Four Winds which was kept there. I also knew a little girl
named Donna Fournier and wondered if she is a relative of your. I
was able to visit about five years ago and it was like "coming
home" even though I have spent the rest of my life in Northern
California.
jancastro36@yahoo.com
Hi Jim,
I was on Balboa the other day and did not see your store. Are you
still located there? I remember when you moved out of the fun zone
area.....
Thanks, I'd love to come down and look at your work again. I just
found your card!
Jon B. Patton
jon.patton@pacificnewport.com
hi, wanted to know about parking at the peer. is
it metered or do you pay as you enter and how much. also what time
does the peer open and close. it has been many years since i was
down there, just want to be prepared.
thanks pat
patrick mcconnell
dadixie@msn.com
Hey Jim,
It was very nice meeting another Fine Arts professional
photographer in action at the start of the 2009 Newport to Ensenada
race just the other day. I appreciate the exchange of business
cards which allowed me to log onto this sight and enjoy your
wonderful photo gallery. You have a great artistic style that I
hope the Locals at Balboa appreciate. I got my one shot of the Race
start that I was looking for. You can see it at my Website:
www.ILovePacificPiers.com
I think a lot of your admirers may also enjoy my website, also. I
would have liked to have chatted more at the Race, but it was work
for me. I'll give you a call when I'm in Town for a leisurely
visit. Thanks!
Larry Brambles, Agoura Hills
PacificPiers@aol.com
Hi There!
I'm new to the area. Wondering if anyone knows who I can contact
about bringing a weekly Farmer's Market to the Peninsula.
Thank you!
bkrparis@yahoo.com
Dear Jim:
Thanks so much for your portal to Balboa. I lived on the peninsula
from 1993 to 1996. A place on I Street and Balboa Blvd, and another
on Bay Street. Got to taste both flavors - the ocean front, and the
bay side.
I had grown up on the east coast, but took a marketing job in Santa
Ana. Young single lad I was. I flew into John Wayne for my
interview, and was offered the job on the spot. The president of
the company asked where I was thinking of living. I wasn't familiar
with NB, so I said I wasn't sure. He recommended getting a studio
apartment in a place called Balboa. Said I'd love it. He was so
right. I actually ended up getting a three bedroom house with a
couple of other guys who had been advertising for a room mate in
the Pilot. We had great fun. Professional by day and cocktails on
the beach at night. I think they enjoyed showing the newbie around.
Used to love coming home after a long day. My wife and I went on
our first date on Balboa. It was a blind date. She came over to my
place. We hung out and tanned on the beach, BBQ'ed, went to Studio
for an Adios. Got married three years later.
Oh, how times change. We moved inland to buy a house and start a
family in Temecula. Which is a nice place, but it surely ain't
Balboa. Couple of years ago we had to move to West Lafayette,
Indiana for family reasons. From palm trees to corn... It's OK
here. MISS MY BALBOA!! Maybe one day we'll move back. Would so love
to buy a place on the peninsula and live ocean life. Become a local
again. Unfortunately, I cannot afford a house on the Peninsula. So,
I thank you for the Portal. I write this after looking at the 6:38
AM web cam images. A tear of longing running down my cheek. Enjoy
Balboa for me. I will always feel Balboa is my true home.
Jon Light
ifpm@comcast.net
Jim,
i have enjoyed visiting your pages often, as i have friends that
are frequently in the area, and it keeps me abreast with what is
going on there.
I have watched your web cams from time to time and have even
downloaded some archived pictures. Question, is there anyplace to
get pictures older than 24 hours? I missed some that I wanted on
Sunday, i was not home and wanted ones of the pavillion from about
15:45 to about 17:00. Is there any place to find them? or do you
know of someone that may have downloaded them and would be willing
to share them?
thanks Jim,
I kinda of figured that was the truth of it. i didn't find out
untill late Monday that I wanted pictures from arround 4-5PM. I do
have several up untill 3:45. Oh well, my patients gave out. I also
had most of Saturdays, but have deleted them too. Thanks again and
keep up the good work. BTW any chance that the Arcade camera will
come back? Sorry if you have already answered that, i didn't look
too deep into comments
Tom Scriven
tscriven@kvoa.com
loving the site!!!
Shelia Aubrey
Hi Jim,
I run a printing company at the base of the Balboa Pier above the
Cannery VIllage real estate building (no production on site). As a
new guy in town I have NO CLUE where anything is, and I was looking
into creating a business directory/map of Balboa peninsula/island
businesses that could be left in stores for people to easily
navigate the area. It sounds like you've been around the area for
a long time. Have you seen anything like this before? Do you have
any kind of business listing or arial map of the area that I could
use as a starting point for my design? I would really appreciate
the help in this, I'd like to do it more as a way to get to know
other businesses locally but also I really need to figure out where
to eat!!! haha.
Zack Gaskins
Zack@Vividcolor.com
Hey Jim,
What happened to the Main Street camera it was my favorite?
Steve Dull
nitro.dull@verizon.net
Hi, this is a long shot...
Wondering if you know the folks who operate the live cameras
viewing the pavilion?
I have included a link so you will know which camera sets I am
referencing.
http://www.croul.com/newportharbor/gallery.html
Love the angle, was hoping to convince the folks to sharpen the
image by adjusting focus?
If you know how I can find them or contact that would be great.
Thank you,
Wayne Powell
wpowell7@cox.net
Hi Jim:
Thanks for the webcam on Balboa Island Ferry. I''ll watch it every
evening (i.e. your morning). Coming back to Newport Beach for a
month at the end of April for the third time.
Harri Oittinen Kuopio
Hi, Jim:
Any hope of restoring the old or installing a new camera on the
Pavillion so we can see the true center of Balboa once again?
Loved being able to see part of the sign of my dad's Balboa
Pharmacy, Balboa Inn and sometimes glimpsing Catalina in the
background.
I check out your site every day to give me a feeling of still being
anchored to my home town.
Regards,
Tita (Vincent) Yost
gramcrakr@comcast.net
Lived and worked in the Newport Beach area off
and on for many years but moved away for good in 1984. Was a good
buddy of Art Larson and did a lot of sailing with him on his black
hulled schooner the "Wanderlure' Heard that Art died in 1994 but
would love to know about his final years in Balboa.
Bill Wagner
Jim. Thanks for your reply regarding Art Larson.I could relate
many
tales regarding Art as he was a one of a kind character. I did not
know you had a book. Where and how can I purchase a copy?
BillCWagner@gmail.com
Hi Jim-
I wrote to you a few years back about my short time living in
Balboa- on the Penninsula- during 1967-68. I was one of the girls
working at Dale and Irene's ice cream stand making frozen bananas
in my bikini at age 14 and swimming across the bay on my breaks
(illegal then and now!). I wondered if anyone remembered Daisy- the
woman who would ride her bike around during that time- wore a straw
hat with flowers around it- lots of make-up- almost the local
version of Mini Pearls without the price tag? Also, the owner of
the gas station not sure of his name- who was married to a
beautiful woman-and the locals called them Beauty and the Beast? I
wondered what year Bal Week came to an end- I had heard it was
1969. Those were the days of music on the sand played by visiting
and idealistic college kids who were filled with a vision of peace
instead of war- and I am not sure- but I believe that was also the
summer of love, wasn't it?
Yes, thank you- it was George who owned the gas station- my
brother, Richard, actually worked for George for about six months
until getting sick (heart condition)- and sadly, passed away a
couple of months later.
The times were very exciting- I remember so much about the area- so
many good memories from that time- such a special place. It is
difficult to describe what it was like to those not having spent
that particular period of time there. In part, it was the 60's and
too, it was my age at the time, It was also the area itself. Where
else would you find teenagers who know how to sail a 30 foot boat,
for example? Where else might you be able to work selling
hamburgers at the end of a pier as I did when the Phoenix family
held leases on it during that time? I don't think there could be a
better place for teenagers to be- but not sure what it is like now.
Parts of the Fun Zone seems the same (I live in Newport Heights
now), but there are so many bits that have really changed. I
appreciate the arcade- and took my children and now my grandsons
there. I love that one can still spend that huge roll of tickets
and get some weird little trinket- but it's all part of the magic.
I love the look in my youngest grandson's eyes when his roll won't
fit in his pocket any more- he is so proud of his achievements!
Such simple pleasure (though expensive for his Nana!).
Anyway, it is good to have a place to talk about it again.
Thanks for remembering me!~
Elizabeth Gellatly
egellatl@earthlink.net
Hi Jim!
Ted and I are enjoying using your wonderful pelican photo on my
Balboa Island Fudge label!
I am going to publish an online newsletter about Balboa Island
soon, and am hoping it will be okay with you if I use the copy
ability on my computer and feature some of your small photos in the
article--with credit to you, of course. Please say yes.
All the best!
Diana von Welanetz Wentworth
Diana@dianawentworth.com
Jim:
Were there any other Glass Bottom Boats in Balboa other than the
Phoenix? If so do you know their names? This isn't a quiz. I don't
know. :)
Stephen
scs@shacomm.com
I have many fond memories of Balboa. My aunt and
uncle lived there in the 70's. They used to have Christmas parties
every year. I remember the wonderfully decorated boats sailing by
and that really got me in the Christmas spirit. Sailing around the
harbor in their small sail boat was a blast. Eventually they moved
away but the memories remained. Several years ago I met a woman
who lives in Balboa and dated her for a time. It was not a match
made in heaven but my time with her allowed me to rediscover the
area. I have lived in California all my life (Pasadena foothills)
and feel that Balboa is one of the best spots there is. Perhaps I
will live there some day. I really appreciate your site as it
gives me a chance to experience that fantastic little corner of our
state. Thank you!
Eric
I love your site, especially the webcams, but when I click on the
calendar to print it, it still shows the photo for January, and
says JANUARY at the top. Can you please fix this?
Anonymous
Hello,
My husband and I spent many Sunday mornings listening to jazz and
having brunch and "Adios Mother's" at a lovely cafe/bar on Balboa
Island in the late 1970s. Sometimes we would park our car and
roller skate around the island.
Does anyone remember the name of the cafe/bar? It's driving us
nuts. Good memories...
Thank you,
Laura López
Laura.LOPEZ@cepal.org
The name of the bar you are thinking of is The Studio Cafe.
Miss that place every day
Marco Torre
marco@compu-tor.org
My daughter, Sarah, lives in Newport Beach and I live in Helena,
Alabama (a suburb of Birmingham). I miss her and being able to
look at your site makes me feel a little closer. Thank you so
much!
Kathleen Leemhuis
kathleen3452@bellsouth.net
Hi Jim,
I have two questions:
Do you have any old pictures of Glen Caldwell who use to play the
piano at the bar back in the '80s? And.. Do you know what happened
to that old piano that was in the pub?
Thank you
Wayne Caldwell
mail4wayne@Verizon.net
DID YOU KNOW THERE WAS A TV SHOW CALLED THE BAILEYS OF BALBOA? IT
PREMIERED IN 1966 AND ONLY LASTED ONE SEASON.
ROCKY HANRAHAN
ROBERT01887@YAHOO.COM
Hi Jim! Another question....remember when you gave us a copy of
the DVD Dirty Feet? I was talking with someone tonight who would
like to be able to buy one for her aunt who is actually in the
audience on the film! Do you know of where she might be able to
obtain one?
Phyllis
pscheffler@city.newport-beach.ca.us
I'm so glad to have found this site. A huge Thank You to Jim for
doing such a wonderful job!
I check this site out almost every day. I grew up in Costa Mesa
and from the time I was allowed to ride my bike to the beach on my
own... I did. (In those days you could let your kids spend the
whole day away from you without much of a thought!)
I, like many of you that have posted, moved away from the area some
years ago. I have loved the adventures of my life, the places I've
lived, friends I've made along the way, and the family that
surrounds me. But I'm always drawn back to the beach, Balboa,
Newport and Little Corona. I can't explain it very well, this
longing inside to walk on the shore, feel the sunsets, smell the
salt air, and feel the freedom that watching the horizon and
hearing the pounding of the surf sets deep in my soul.
The past few years I've had the wonderful experience of taking my
kids and husband to the waves and teaching them to body surf, and
showing them the wonders in the tide pools of Little Corona,
snorkeling, cook outs in the fire pits etc. Fortunately, they love
it and are willing to go along with my obsession! When I married
and we took our first trip to Balboa, my new husband had trouble
just laying on a towel, relaxing, feeling the heat of the sun and
the cool breeze of the ocean sneak over you. He kept saying, "Is
this all you do? What else do you want to see? How long will we be
here?" So I began to teach him the art of the beach life. "Well, no
this isn't all of it......" We can jump in the waves and play and
then lie back on the towels to warm up again. Isn't it cool how you
can still feel the ocean's heartbeat when you lay back on the
towels? Watch the birds, especially the sand pipers, and watch for
the seals and the dolphins swimming in the surf. Let's walk on the
beach, or the board walk, go out to the end of the pier and eat,
always with a keen eye on what the fishermen are bringing up. Go
below the Newport Pier and see through the clear water beneath it,
stealing a secret kiss while we are there. Rent a boat, (cause my
family's one is long since gone) and view the homes in the bay,
pointing out all the famous that you remember. The essentials are
to ride the ferry, eat Balboa Bars, bring something home that
say's, Balboa or Newport, CA, and take as many pictures as can fit
on a 2 G card. The most important thing to do, though, is stay all
day and then feel the sunset calm your thoughts and fill you with a
quietness that only it's beauty can give you. Breath deeply.
Well, I'm happy to say that they all get it now. We spent this
Christmas visiting family and although my brother took us out on
his boat for an afternoon, we didn't get much time at the beach.
(not enough for me that is) I was grumpy on the way back home, not
getting my needed fix, when my kids piped up from the back
seat...... We have to come back soon, cause we didn't get our
personal family time at the beach!...... We didn't get to ride the
ferry or eat the Balboa Bars.... or see the sunset........or, or,
or........... Oh, Yeah, I'm raising them right!
Barbara Mardock (Schmok)
casunset@acsol.net
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