I have a somewhat inconsistent tradition to meet up with my friend Karin, more frequently in the summer, to go to Blacks Beach in La Jolla. Most people know Black's beach because it is a known nude beach... It's one of my favorite beaches in all of San Diego county, not because its nude (I keep my swim suit on, by the way). I like it because it is a rigorous hike in and out, which keeps most people away. It is serene, and never crowded, and a good workout to walk back up that hill.
Walking down this hill (pictured above) or stopping on the way back up, you can hear the sea, a song on the canyon breeze, and for a moment you can forget that just a mile away is a freeway, and over a million people.
I love the ocean, the tangy smell, the way the water feels on your skin, the salty taste on your lips after you've come out and even the way your hair feels stiff and spongy when it dries with salt water in it.
I usually hang out in the shallow section and body surf or boogie board, but this summer for the first time, I swam with Karin to the bouy and back. It's way past the breakers, maybe 1/4 mile out by my guesstimate.
I was scared to go out that far. But I did it. And the next week I did it again. And I was looking forward to more, but now the water is cold again, and the air has taken on a crispy tint that tickles the back of my throat so I know its Fall. I'll have to wait until next summer.
3 comments:
The water is the birthright of all true San Diegans. It's wonder, to be sure.
(true = those who love it)
Loved remembering via your post on water temps and end-of-summer fun, my trips to Maine coast (brrrr... always freezing though bearable in late August despite green flies biting thru sand-covered, bathing-suited bodies) the decade I lived in Cambridge, MA.
Ahhh, I was so proud of you! Swimming out there was more than I was able to handle! Yes, it is stunningly beautiful. See you out there again soon, I hope.
The Other Karen
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