The Riva, Split and Stradun, Dubrovnik

The Riva, Split's promenade, began to take on its current form several centuries ago while the city was under control of Napoleon's France.  Today, it's the cherished open space area for the city. Just across the street stands the entrance to the Diocletian Palace (finished in 305 AC for Roman Emperor Diocletian) and access to the many other ancient wonders within the city. It's also the spot to catch a ferry to the Dalmation Island of your choosing.

Stradun, the main street through old Dubrovnik, connects the western and eastern gates of the fortified city. This became the city's main thoroughfare in the 13th century. 15th century fountains now bookend the limestone paved street, and many of Dubrovnik's historic sites are locate along its path.

Aurora Borealis put on a spectacular show

The Northern Lights put on a spectacular show last night. This is my first opportunity to get to see them and my first chance to try capturing the event on camera. I so very much wanted to see them last year while in Iceland, but at least I finally had better luck closer to home!

 

Bodega Bay and the setting of one of my all-time favorite movies

Alfred Hitchcock's 1963 classic film "The Birds" was set in Bodega Bay. There are still notable movie landmarks remaining around the area, including the former Potter Schoolhouse (built in 1873), St. Teresa of Avila Church (built in 1860), and the wharf around the Tides Restaurant. Having now walked the town and the movie setting (while always keeping an eye on the birds), I need to watch the movie again. Fun facts: About 3,200 real birds were trained for use in the film. Hitchcock said the ravens were the cleverest and the seagulls were the most vicious. As crazy as it sounds, the film was inspired by the events of a mass bird attach on the seaside town of Capitola, CA in 1961.

 

Pinnacles National Park - home to the California Condor

Although Pinnacles had been protected since 1908 as a National Monument, it finally received National Park status in 2013. Hiking the high peaks trail, we were fortunate to spot a handful of California Condors soaring around the high cliffs. The Condor is the largest North American land bird with a wingspan reaching nearly 10 feet and can live up to 60 years. In 1987, all remaining 27 California Condors were placed in captivity for protection. They were again reintroduced to the wild in 1991 and their population is now estimated at around 550 birds. A great recovery story.

 

Big Sur - one of the most dramatic stretches of coastline in the world

The Big Sur area along the central California coast is one of the most spectacular sections of coastline in the world. Elephant seals, pelicans, high mountains, cliffs, stunning beaches, and other surprises are around every corner. Even successfully searched for jade scattered along the beaches.


 

Morro Bay - Once known as the abalone capital of the world

 

In the mid-1900s, Morro Bay, on the central California coast, was the biggest source of abolone in the United States. Millions of pounds were harvested here from 1916 through the early 1960s, until the abalone supply crashed. The last commercial harvest was in 1980. The abalone decline has been attributes to over-fishing, disease, the impact of ocean warming on kelp beds needed for abalone survival, and the increase in the number of Southern sea otter.

Last wave sea otter challenge at Pismo Beach

As the sun was setting, the sea otters were as much up for surfing the waves as the surfers. No hesitation here for getting in line to catch that last evening wave! Spectacular beach and sunsets. Pismo Beach is a great little beach town with that small California coast town vibe.