More beach photos

As promised, more photos from our beach trip (courtesy of Chris Andre). Peg found a live sand dollar, which we've never seen in our 22 years of living in California. I think that says a lot.

'Twas a delight to see Zoë, Camille and Marie thoroughly enjoying the beach. Our two families also had a great time hanging out at the campsite. Because the weather cooperated, we never had the chance to hole up in the Andre's pop-up tent trailer and play cards, so tonight we went to their house to play Pinochle. Peg won. She's on a roll... first cancer, then Pinochle... I think she's headed next for world peace.

Life's a beach

Spent three days at Sunset State Beach, just south of Santa Cruz, with our dear friends the Andre family (Paul, Chris, daughters Camille, age almost 15, and Marie, 11). Same folks we camped with at the same spot a year ago, just before our roller coaster ride.

We all felt that this was a momentous trip. Completing a cycle. Getting back to a point where a camping trip is normal, fun and doable after our "lost summer."

Chris took some great pictures, which I'll post over the next few days. But for now, here are a few glimpses. Watching the sunset from the hill above the beach... Zoë, Marie and Camille in the giant hole they dug at the beach... Zoë at the bottom of the hole, almost six feet down. Those girls were relentless.

Our spot was at the edge of strawberry fields, at the bottom of a hill and protected from the wind. After an entire year, we really enjoyed getting the cab-over out of mothballs and back on the truck. More to come... stay tuned.