My Birthday Hike
Crystal Cove State Park is in the OC.
That’s Orange County for those of you who didn’t watch The Hills or Real Housewives of Orange County.
It’s about an hour up the road from our little beachy town, near the home of my favorite shopping mecca, South Coast Plaza.
As much as I enjoy playing dress up in diamonds and designer fashion, I LOVE getting dusty and dirty on a trail surrounded by nature.
A couple years ago my son attended a seminar at University of California at Irvine and we hiked Crystal Cove together, and wanted to return.
On my birthday, I get to do anything I want — my mom said so — and who am I to argue when she substantiated my belief that the world revolves around me?
It was a wonderful, happy, magical day!
How to get there
The bridge at the beginning of the trail.
The trail we took was about five miles; we couldn’t take the longer one ‘cos of our time constraints. It starts off heading east up into the hills —
when you’re at the top, you’re facing west —
with an amazingly beautiful view of the Pacific Ocean.
A little wild rabbit, maybe a cousin of my garden bunny.
The view from the top of the trail. It’s breathtaking.
Beautiful Orange County.
I wonder who lives in those homes overlooking the cove?
Where we ate lunch…can you spot the quail who came to join us?
Princess Rosebud in a new Yale shirt, a Mother’s Day gift from Angel Boy.
Happy Memorial Day to all of our veterans!
We walked across the street to see the vintage cottages built in the 1930s.
They’re on the beach and available to rent through the
Crystal Cove Alliance. Click here for all the deets.
Located in the heart of Crystal Cove State Park’s 3.5 miles of pristine coastline, the Historic District was first developed as a South Seas movie set due to its seclusion and tropical aura.
The community thrived and became popular for its relaxed, friendly atmosphere and picturesque landscape. In 1979, the Crystal Cove State Park Historic District was placed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Built as a seaside colony in the 1930s and 40s, Crystal Cove endures as a magical escape for visitors who appreciate the opportunity to experience California’s natural and architectural beauty, untouched by time.
Touring the Visitor’s Center, we took a step back to the 1930s to see what the cottage kitchens used to look like.
How could anyone not jump in that inviting ocean?
The outdoor restaurant was full of people enjoying the amazing weather;
check out the nautical flags!
Oopsie…chemtrails. These are NOT contrails…
Our sunny day turned milky white right before our eyes.
Next time: My Hello Kitty Birthday Party
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Enchanted Seashells by Princess Rosebud 
Love this! Especially the pick with you and Angel Boy. You look so happy, as I’m sure you were. 🙂
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pic lol
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Pick is good, I understood! He was a very sweet boy that day…
On Sun, May 26, 2013 at 10:19 AM, Enchanted Seashells…Confessions of a Tugbo
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Wow, this post sure makes me want to come out and visit. Would love to see the Pacific Ocean. Such beautiful pictures on the trail and the views. Didn’t miss the one either with the signal flags :)…lol. Just love it ♥
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Signal flag pic was just for you! You really need to come out some time!
On Sun, May 26, 2013 at 12:22 PM, Enchanted Seashells…Confessions of a Tugbo
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I thought so. That was so nice of you for thinking of me. I would love to and it’s on my wish list. Just been so busy with orders lately but someday will make it to CA. We could shop till me drop 🙂
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loved these pics. Beautiful share woman!
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I’m glad you enjoyed them, wish you could have hiked with us, I know you can walk a trail…
On Sun, May 26, 2013 at 4:16 PM, Enchanted Seashells…Confessions of a Tugbo
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haaa and trip.
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Great post. My fav, you in the Yale t-shirt and angel boy. You both look mar-ve-lous (Billy Crystal pronouncement, lol). xoxo Paulette
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Why, thank you kindly! We had such a fun day!
On Sun, May 26, 2013 at 6:31 PM, Enchanted Seashells…Confessions of a Tugbo
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Happy Birthday! I really enjoyed this post. What a beautiful area.
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Yes, it’s so pretty up there. Thank you!
On Sun, May 26, 2013 at 7:02 PM, Enchanted Seashells…Confessions of a Tugbo
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That state will always have my heart! Awesome photos and what a great day for you!!! So envious 🙂
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Come back to SoCal and let’s go hiking!
On Sun, May 26, 2013 at 7:28 PM, Enchanted Seashells…Confessions of a Tugbo
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Someday! Although…I may not leave!!
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That’s funny. Most people don’t leave when they get here!
On Mon, May 27, 2013 at 2:56 AM, Enchanted Seashells…Confessions of a Tugbo
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Gorgeous pictures! I’m north of you a couple of states 🙂 so it’s not nearly as warm and lovely here….Another couple of months and we’ll enjoy something similar!
Happy Memorial Weekend!
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And the same to you!
On Sun, May 26, 2013 at 9:05 PM, Enchanted Seashells…Confessions of a Tugbo
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Looks amazing! I love those kind of outings. Your pictures were awesome!
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Thank you! It was so fun for sure. How ya doing?
On Tue, May 28, 2013 at 8:07 AM, Enchanted Seashells…Confessions of a Tugbo
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Pingback: Hello Kitty Is My Soul Sister: Princess Rosebud’s Hello Kitty Birthday Party | Enchanted Seashells…Confessions of a Tugboat Captain's Wife
Wow! Magnificent is an understatement!
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Told you! You have to do this. It was AMAZING.
On Tue, May 28, 2013 at 8:12 PM, Enchanted Seashells…Confessions of a Tugbo
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What a beautiful view of the ocean, and what a handsome son you have. And that cottage kitchen is soooo cute.
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Thank you! I loved the aqua and yellow appliances in the kitchen; we’re planning to stay in one of those cottages when I get the capt home for a decent amount of time–and I must agree with you, I do have a handsome son 🙂
On Wed, Jun 5, 2013 at 9:57 PM, Enchanted Seashells…Confessions of a Tugbo
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