The OC

California is full of contradictions,  case in point Orange County.  Most of the country is large swaths of middle-class suburbia, with strip malls, homes and condos and closer to the beach – gated communities.

But then there is the beach, and like all of California – the beach is beautiful. I went with my local friend Becky to explore Crystal Cove beach. Today this area is a state park.With the kind of views of the ocean that belong in travel books. White sand beach and deep blue water.In the 1920s’ people started building cottages, there have been years of fighting about what to do with these – since they were all built without any permits. Today a small section has been restored and one can rent a cottage for a few days. These are very spartan and basic, more like camping. The idea is to experience the beach like people in the 1930s and 40s did.And then there is the area that hasn’t been restored yet. There is a plan to do so, as well as keep the structures looking as close to the original as possible. Right now, it’s arrested decay.Fenced off from the public. But not from the birds. I of course revel in the textures, the rust, the peeled paint.At some point newer staircases were built, but then the state must have felt that this is too dangerous and have simply fenced the whole area off.You know me, I have a fascination with peeling paint.

But back to the beach itselfSure, a lot of other people were enjoying this perfect day with us, I chose not to photograph them.I do find the birds worthy of pictures.Becky, who is a great photographer, mentioned shadows and reflections, something else for me to pay attention to.And jewels, you never know what kind of jewel you will find among the seaweed.