Doheny Beach, CA.
We Montoyas, Yoons and Ditzlers started planning this trip in 2/10, but didn't get to go until May. Mushroom and I did tag team camping this time, so that one of us could go while the other stayed home to care for my mom. She was supposed to stay in the hotel across the street from the campsite with one of us, but she's been too ill to leave home this spring. We made the best of the situation, and enjoyed a brief getaway down the coast from where we live. It was so nice, we both want to do it again! S'mores anyone?

Believe it or not, there really were waves, which floated the beach ball back to us, no matter how far we threw the ball. Mushroom, Dana and Celeste all went into the water the first morning they were there...brrrrr! The waves broke very close to shore, so it was hard to get out, because the waves created a deep dip where you first walked in. Behind that was a bit of a sandbar, with less deep water.

"And, here to your right, ladies and gentlemen, is a rabid fire starter. He comes from a long line of Ditzlers, who could light a fire under water."

Dana brought a boatload of firewood, and was quite proficient at keeping us warm as well as offering quite the grill for skirt steak the night I arrived. By putting the wood up on the grate after dinner, it gave off more light and heat, so we, of course, stayed up later! You can never have too much fun camping!

Bonnie knows how to enjoy herself during a camping trip!

Isis had a kite up in the breeze, so Dana and Jiho put one together out of string, paper, and sticks. I didn't know we were camping with McGyver! Dana also made a bat out of duct tape and paper, hung up the beach balls for a rousing game of teather ball for the grandkids, and made other fun stuff.

Isis took the improvised bat/magic wand with her to the beach. As you'll notice, I've dressed her up with feathers from the beach birds, so she fits right in. Too cutiful!

Jiho, Dana, and Bonnie are in the background, Edan and Isis in the foreground. We had just a little bit of time along the shoreline on Tuesday a.m., before having to pack up and depart the campground. Dolphins were fishing no more than 100 yards away from us. What a magical morning!

Isis can leap tall sand berms in a single bound. What a super hero!

Dana showed off his artwork on the berm. He's quite creative, as demonstrated here.