Wednesday, April 4, 2012

D: Doran Beach

       Doran Park is a gentle and relaxing beach park on the Sonoma County coast.  It has a two mile stretch of sandy and sheltered beach and is an ideal place to fly kites, build sand castles, walk dogs (on leash), play frisbee, football, or volleyball, or just read and nap.  The word "sheltered" is important.  Many of the north coast beaches come with cold and treacherous surf.  It is relatively common to hear the medivac helicopter flying some fearless (or foolish) person to the local hospital.  Most locals know not to mess with the riptides and crashing surf but tourists think they know better.  Those waves and those cliffs will steal more than your attention if you are not careful.

     But that is one of the beauties of Doran Park. Doran Beach Park rests on a spit of land that projects into Bodega Bay. The waves here are generally light and playful.  This is a safe beach for children to play in the surf and to learn never to turn their back on the sea. The coast is only a twenty minute drive from our home so from the time RR and I came to live in Sonoma County, we have enjoyed frequent excursions over to the coast.  Sonny Boy and his sister Nutmeg grew up playing in the dunes and waves at Doran.  This beach plays a big role in our family history

Doran is a wonderful spot for people watching AND bird watching.  I'll leave you with some inspirations!








     


15 comments:

  1. You are correct; I was inspired! I am going to have my toenails done.

    I will have to come to Doran Beach with you. You know, brothers and beaches.

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    1. Yay, toenails! I just really liked that photo - captures the essence of the summer attitude. xoxoxoxox

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  2. I used to live in San Luis Obsipo, and this post makes me think of that. thanks for the nice memories.......

    best,
    MOV

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    1. Sonny Boy went to college at SLO - we know the town reasonably well (and he is a surfer too....) -- the beach is where I feel most alive.

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  3. Beautiful beach. Great photos. I like Sandy Toes.

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    1. Thank you, Lynda! Sandy toes- they say it all, heh?

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  4. You really, really make me miss my childhood home :(

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    1. Ahhhhh - the soothing beach will do that to you!

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  5. Love the toes! I had a pedicure before leaving for Florida last month and took a whole series of "pretty toes" photos in various places through our trip. I should make a post out of those - thanks for reminding me!

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    1. That is a terrific idea! I think I will do that this year!

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  6. Birds and the ocean? This may be too much for whatever organ is responsible for producing my envy juices. :)

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    1. I know - I hate to say it but I do life in an extraordinarily beautiful place - though I know there are plenty of beautiful places in the world.

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  7. Very beautiful, Jt. I love the photos, love the prose. You rock.

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  8. Great photo's! This post made me see how many days left until our annual family trip to the ocean: only 52!

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