Category: Morro Bay

Valencia Peak Vista: Capturing the Essence of Montaña de Oro Picture of the Week - Morro Bay, California

Landscape view of Bluff trail winding through grassy field with majestic mountains in the background at Montaña de Oro State Park in California
Valencia Peak Vista: Capturing the Essence of Montaña de Oro – Immerse yourself in the breathtaking beauty of Montaña de Oro State Park as you follow the beautiful Bluff trail, surrounded by rolling grassy fields and towering mountains. Discover this hidden gem’s serenity and natural wonders on California’s central coast.

Welcome back to our San Luis Obispo County project. As I tried to explain last week, it’s one of our favorite spots on the planet. Usually, the purpose of our trips involves wine tasting, so we spend most of our time traveling the roads that run past the vineyards and traverse the coastal mountains—the Santa Lucia Range. With an extra day set aside for photography, Queen Anne and I made a pact to explore places in San Luis Obispo County that were new to us.

On the morning of our shoot—after I dragged her majesty out of bed while we ate breakfast—I showed her a road I found on our California Gazetteer. It began in Morro Bay and made its way along the coast on the Montaña de Oro headlands to Pismo Beach. I told her my plans to drive down to the resort town and then return via the 101 Freeway. She thought that was a great idea as long as there was a candlelight dinner and a glass of Chardonnay at the road’s end. However, halfway through the drive, we found a locked gate preventing us from going further. It turned out that someone built the Diablo Canyon Nuclear Generating Station in our way and closed the road—how inconsiderate.

Our day wasn’t a total loss because, between Morro Bay and the gate, we drove through three nature preserves: Morro Bay Estuary, El Morro Elfin Forest, and Montana de Oro State Park. Since we had to double back, I’d have to settle with subjects along our route—oh, pity the poor photographer because each place is worthy of an afternoon—if not longer.

Morro Bay Estuary: A coastal wetland teeming with diverse wildlife and stunning vistas. A network of trails to explore that wind through the estuary offers opportunities to spot various bird species, including majestic herons and graceful egrets. If you remember to bring your mukluks, you may even try digging for clams or annoying the critters you’ll find in the tidal pools.

El Morro Elfin Forest: Unique and magical woodland. Marvel at the twisted, dwarfed trees that named the forest, creating an ethereal atmosphere. Stroll along the well-maintained trails, enjoying the tranquil ambiance and the delicate balance between the forest and the surrounding coastal dunes. Keep your eyes peeled for rare plant species and enjoy the peaceful serenity of this hidden gem.

Montana de Oro State Park: A coastal paradise of rugged cliffs, golden beaches, and sweeping vistas. Hike along the stunning bluffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean, witnessing the power of crashing waves and the dramatic coastal scenery. Explore the tide pools, where you can encounter a fascinating array of marine life, and venture further into the park to discover hidden coves and secret beaches.

I took this week’s image at the Bluff trailhead in the State Park. From the parking area, we had a choice of taking the trail down to the ocean or venturing across the street to embark on the course that led us into the majestic mountains. As we made our way along the path, the peaks rising to Valencia Peak stood before us, their commanding presence adding a sense of grandeur to the surrounding landscape. Amidst this natural beauty, my attention was drawn to the display of a bright orange Indian paintbrush. I knew that capturing this scene would encapsulate the essence of Montaña de Oro’s breathtaking vistas.

We invite you to visit the web version of this image, where you can view a larger version of Valencia Peak Vista: Capturing the Essence of Montaña de Oro. Immerse yourself in the stunning scenery, the rich colors, and the sense of serenity captured in this image. It’s a visual testament to the beauty in San Luis Obispo County.

Mark your calendars, and come back next week for another captivating tale and image. Until then, keep exploring, keep capturing moments, and remember that every step you take can lead to new and remarkable discoveries.

Till next time
jw

Techniques: Utilizing Leading Lines in Your Photographs

Leading lines such as the trail, the line of peaks, and the swale in this week’s image are powerful compositional elements that add depth and guide the viewer’s eye through the image. They create a visual pathway, drawing attention and creating a sense of movement. Whether straight, diagonal, or curved lines enhance the overall composition and introduce a three-dimensional quality.

These lines don’t have to be literal; the arrangement of objects or elements can imply them. By utilizing leading lines effectively, you can elevate your images’ impact and storytelling potential, inviting viewers to explore and discover hidden depths within the frame.

You can transform a simple scene into a captivating visual story by incorporating leading lines into your photography. Experiment with different types of lines and their placement to create a dynamic narrative within your image. Consider how leading lines interact with other elements and the mood they evoke.

Slope Serenade: A Symphony of Shadows and Light Picture of the Week - Cambria, California

A captivating landscape photo of Adelaida winery's orchard on a hill, with rolling grassy hills in the foreground, under a clear blue sky in San Luis Obispo.
Slope Serenade: A Symphony of Shadows and Light: This scene captures the heart of San Luis Obispo – Adelaida winery’s neatly arranged orchard rises towards a clear blue sky, contrasted with rolling grassy swells and randomly placed dormant trees in the foreground. The late afternoon light casts deep shadows, enriching the colors and depth of the scene.

It was that transition period between when the dream ended, and my brain realized that none of it made sense. Even though my eyes were still closed, I could tell it was getting light outside. The sparrows that live outside our window were bragging to the world that they had survived the night with their monotonous and repetitive one-note song. Their cheerfulness was annoying, and I wanted to get up and prove them wrong. My eyes opened, and I was startled to see a pair of terrifyingly familiar green eyes inches from my face piercing into my soul. “Where are you taking me for our anniversary this year?” she declared.

And so it began—our yearly Where-We-Going debate. It always starts with me suggesting picturesque destinations where I’d love to capture photos. In response, Anne dismisses each of my ideas with a wave of her hand and a flimsy excuse for why it won’t work. Eventually, the routine is settled when her eyes turn to her computer screen, scanning her travel-deal website. She comes to me with deals she’s found online, and we pick the best-sounding offers. But, when one of the Cambria hotels flashes a special offer, the debate ends abruptly, and we always seem to put it above all the others. I sometimes wonder why we even contemplate other locations. Cambria has our hearts, and with each visit, our love for it grows.

San Luis Obispo County holds a special place in our hearts, like a second home we never owned but always felt belonged to us. Each visit brings a sense of familiarity, a comforting assurance as if I’m retracing steps I’ve walked in another life. You see, there’s something about the central coast that’s magnetic. Its diverse landscapes, from the untamed coastlines where waves crash like thunderous applause against the rugged cliffs to the vineyards cascading over the rolling hills like emerald tapestries, invite us to immerse ourselves in a masterpiece of nature’s artistry.

Among the many charming towns in San Luis Obispo County, our favorite home base is Cambria. Nestled where the majestic pines meet the sea, Cambria embodies a unique enchantment. It’s coastal charm and small-town atmosphere create a perfect backdrop for our adventures. From strolling along Moonstone Beach, where the waves gently caress the shore, to exploring the quaint shops and art galleries in the historic East Village, Cambria feels like our personal sanctuary.

Honestly, the natural allure of the trip is the wine tasting—that’s a given. But if I negotiate an additional free day, the photographic opportunities in San Luis Obispo County are boundless. Nestled between the valleys of the inland and the majestic Coastal Range, San Luis Obispo County unfolds like a treasure trove of visual poetry, offering a kaleidoscope of subjects for my lenses to capture, each frame a brushstroke on the canvas of memories.

Securing that additional day, it’s a win-win for both of us. We get to explore fresh corners of the county, indulge in yet another incredible evening of indulgence, and gather a trove of memories to share with you; in the end, everyone’s content. And as they say—a happy wife means a husband that gets to live another day. We always leave with smiles and anticipation for the next visit.

And it’s not just the visual and culinary delights that captivate us. The welcoming spirit of the people we encounter during our visits adds an extra layer of warmth to the experience. From the passionate winemakers eager to share their stories to the locals who greet us with open hearts, their genuine hospitality further enriches our journey.

Thank you for taking the time to join us on this journey and being part of our story. This week’s photograph captures a piece of the enchantment that San Luis Obispo County holds for us. The orderly orchard, the wild grass, the deep shadows under the trees… It’s a tale of balance and contrast, where the ordered and the wild coexist. You can check out Slope Serenade’s web version here (https://www.jimwitkowski.com/newWork/orchird.html).

Next week, we’ll delve deeper into our adventures in San Luis Obispo County, sharing more stories and photos from this beautiful part of the world. Until then, keep exploring, keep dreaming, and remember every journey starts with a single step.

Till next time
Jw

Technique: Learning to See Light and Shapes

This week’s photograph shows how paying attention to light can make your pictures more interesting. The photo was taken in the late afternoon when the sun was starting to set. This type of light is often called “golden hour” and casts long, deep shadows under the orchard trees. Those shadows add depth, making the trees look more three-dimensional and the scene more dramatic.

When taking a photo, it’s essential to consider how the light interacts with your scene. In this picture, the golden hour light highlights the rich green color of the orchard, which stands out against the more natural, brownish color of the wild grass in the foreground. That contrast helps to separate the two areas and draw attention to the orchard.

Santa Lucia Cows Picture of the Week

Until this week, May has been pretty nice. The temperatures in Congress were pleasant enough that Queen Anne and I could enjoy coffee on the back deck in the morning and have happy hour on the front porch where we watched the daily parade go by. Our nights had been quite cool. By managing the airflow—opening and closing the windows at the right times—we succeeded in keeping the hot afternoons at bay.

All of that came to an abrupt halt on Wednesday. With this latest round of high pressure crossing our State, the evening air didn’t cool off as fast or as much. We finally had to turn the air conditioning on for the season. On top of the heat, people have started new brush fires each day, so I have to accept that summer has come to the desert.

Santa Lucia Cows - A small herd of black cattle graze on a hillside of emerald grass at sunrise.
Santa Lucia Cows – A small herd of black cattle grazes on a hillside of emerald grass at sunrise.

I don’t want to go into the inferno without a fight, though, so I went back through the photos from our recent California trip. I wanted to remember the great morning I spent photographing the sunrise on the Santa Lucia coastal mountain range. There was a slight breeze on top of the hill where I waited in the dark, but my wool sweater was enough to ward off any chill. As I worked my way from the top to the coast road, it seemed like someone was painting in the black shapes with color—like in a coloring book. As the sun cleared the horizon behind me, I stopped along the road to capture a herd of cattle grazing emerald green grass on a hillside. It’s this week’s featured image, and I called it Santa Lucia Cows. As I worked on it this week, I wondered why we didn’t stay in Cambria for the whole summer.

I want to give credit to the artist that influenced me to take this picture. I’m glad that I was able to buy three of Eyvind Earle’s works in my life. They’re all small pieces because I couldn’t afford the six-figure larger ones. If you ever watched the movies Snow White, Sleeping Beauty, or Cinderella then you’ve seen his work. He painted backgrounds for Disney films. That was his day job, but he painted scenes along California’s Central Coast on the weekends. His style was graphical and modern impressionism. His trees and animals had exaggerated long shadows—often bigger than the subject itself. I suppose it’s Eyvind’s fault that I’m always on the lookout for long shadows.

You can see a larger version of Santa Lucia Cows on its Web Page by clicking here. Now I have to snap out of my memory, put on some shorts, and get back to work, so why don’t you please come back next week and see if I found anything good.

Until next time — jw

Beach for One Picture of the Week

Did you really think that we would leave California without bringing back a beach shot? No way—that would be unconstitutional. Whenever Queen Anne and I visit the Morro Bay area, we always save an afternoon for a drive up the Big Sur coast. Sometimes we make it to Carmel for lunch; sometimes, we’re blocked by a landslide—like this year.

Getting to Monterey Bay isn’t the point; there are traditions we have to uphold. As we pass by San Simeon, we point to and wave at the hilltop castle. A stop at the elephant seal colony is required to watch them sleeping on the beach. If we’re not planning a full drive, we’ll pick up a bottle of local wine, some cheese for Anne, and Italian deli meats for me. There’s a beautiful little beach under that famous bridge featured in all the postcards you see, and we spend a couple of hours picnicking on a blanket while we search for Japan on the Pacific horizon.

Four Elephant Seals - With mating season over, four young female elephant seals can finally nap on the warm sun without those big galoots accosting them.
Four Elephant Seals – With the mating season over, four young female elephant seals can finally nap in the warm sun without those big galoots accosting them.

Because of this year’s landslide, we didn’t even make it to our picnic spot. Instead, we drove leisurely along the Pacific Coast Highway to the spot where Caltrans turned back traffic. From the pull-out, we could clearly make out the slide area just south of our bridge. It still looked like Big Sur; only a section of the road was missing. The ocean below was full of silt that turned the water mud brown. It surprised me that it hadn’t settled during the month since part of a mountain fell into the sea.

With the rest of the afternoon to kill, we made our way back to Cambria, frequently stopping to take pictures of beaches, flowers, seals, and the San Simeon lighthouse. I was disappointed that the grounds were posted as a “No Drone Zone” because I had such a great shot planned.

Back in the village, we had one last dinner out and then stopped at the local liquor store. We found out a little secret during our last trip. It’s fun to taste the new vintages at the vineyards, but the liquor store (and the Circle K), sells bottles at discount prices. We sadly went back to the motel with the few bottles we bought and prepared for the long drive home.

Beach for One - Surprisingly, you can find a secluded beach for a private picnic along California's central coast.
Beach for One – Surprisingly, you can find a secluded beach for a private picnic along California’s central coast.

This week’s featured image is called Beach for One, and you can see a larger version on its Web Page by clicking here. I picked this shot because you’d never expect to find such a lovely spot in California without a single person on it or in the water surfing. I’m going to print a small version over my desk to remember this moment come July and 115º temperatures.

Until next time — jw

Tres Eucalyptus Picture of the Week

Eucalyptus trees along California’s coast are so pervasive that you’d think they were an indigenous species. They’re not—Australian miners brought them during the ’49 Gold Rush. As a kid growing up in Southern California, the tall trees were always a part of the landscape. One of my fondest memories was how the eucalyptus scent in the air announced the coming rain—much like the creosote does in Arizona. Can you imagine visiting San Diego without eucalyptus? It would look like the coastal desert that it really is.

There are many good reasons why these trees are popular. For one thing, they’re fast-growing, and that’s why they’re planted in new subdivisions. If you wanted a tree to dominate your backyard, you’d have to wait a couple of hundred years for a live oak to mature. If you stick a 15-gallon eucalyptus in the ground, it will reach 20-30 feet into the air in five years. Depending on the variety, these trees can grow to 200 feet into the air.

The fast growth of these trees is why farmers plant them on the windward side of their fields. They make great windbreaks. And because they are drought-tolerant, they don’t require a lot of water, even here in Arizona. Decades ago, when Phoenix’s west side was mostly farmland, I would detour off I-10 onto Cotton Lane. It avoided the congestion closer to town. I remember driving past the rows of towering eucalyptus and enjoying the flickering shadows on the windshield in the afternoons. Even during temperatures of 110°, it seemed cooler, if only psychologically. Sadly, those farms have given way to housing developments and warehouses along the loop 303 corridor.

I had always believed that these trees produced trash wood, but—while doing my research—I watched a YouTube video on how to harvest one type of eucalyptus to produce 16 foot long clear white planks suitable for flooring. The wood is quite hard and rivals bamboo in durability. I may have to consider using it on one of my wood projects.

On the other hand, eucalyptus trees have drawbacks. Although they are evergreens, they shed leaves and bark all year round, fueling fires. So, you constantly have to “rake the forest.” Like cottonwood trees, they’re lepers. Infected limbs tend to fall off—onto your head unexpectedly. Unfortunately—like tumbleweed, tamarisk, and kudzu—one of its varietals (Tasmanian blue gum) has escaped and is considered invasive. It doesn’t do well in drier parts of California, but it’s become a nuisance along the foggy coast.

Tres Eucalyptus -A trio of white bark eucalyptus growing along the SR-46 roadside near Morro Bay, California.
Tres Eucalyptus -A trio of whitebark eucalyptus growing along the SR-46 roadside near Morro Bay, California.

I found this trio of eucalyptus—featured in this week’s image—during my morning drive on California’s SR-46. They were only a couple of hundred yards down from the Yucca Hedge that I wrote about last week. At first, it was the light golden bark that caught my eye, but when I began processing this image, I was really pleased to find that there are only three colors in the picture; white, green, and blue (which happen to be the colors of the Sierra Leon flag, but that’s not important here). The simple colors here suggest a graphic photo. I’ll take it, even if it wasn’t planned.

I called this photo Tres Eucalyptus, and you can see a larger version on its Web Page by clicking here. Be sure to come back next week when we add another picture from our time along California’s central coast.

Until next time — jw