Nye in November

Celebrations and the Sea

What is California like in November, you ask?
Ah, celebrations and the sea!

Well Californians tell us that the fall and early winter are hot. Hmmm to us it feels like fall in New England but maybe a bit warmer. The trees are in full fall foliage. Yep there is even a bit of color, not NH or VT style color but it's there. We're balancing the process of exploring the local scene with our trips to the ocean.

October was busy with a visit from Archil's parents (Inna and Tamazi or Babu and Bebe.) We did our very best to run them around seeing all that we could squeeze in during their visit. One highlight was a trip on the Roaring Camp Railroad. We boarded the narrow guage tracks for a fun trip through the redwoods. Along the way they treated us to a little history, geology, and just plan silly railroad humor. It was a blast!


Much of early November was taken up with the preparations for Nye's birthday party. He had fun with friends. We had a small celebration since we have a small apartment! Along the way there were sculptures, scavenger hunts, and cupcakes. I think the kids had fun and Nye sure had a blast. Now if we can just figure out how to break a pinata! Nye's friends did their very best but the crazy creation just wouldn't give up the loot. Eventually the kid's persistance payed off and the candy and toys were distributed sort of fairly.

After the multiple celebrations, cupcake baking sessions and shameless spoiling of our son by family and friends we took a break from celebrating. One of our favorite adventures is over to the coast to explore. We took a trip to Soquel Cove and New Brighton State Beach. (FYI This is very close to our friend's Jenny-Sayre and Jen's home in Aptos where we will be visiting for Thanksgiving. ) Exploring the beach at low tide there is quite a trip back in time. The beach is littered with fossils. So many in fact that it's just silly. Nye and I decided that it was too much like shooting fish in a barrel and went off to explore the tide pools. Tons of sea anemone and hermit crabs! Arch explored far down the sea cliffs and came back with a very exciting discovery, fossil whale bones. Yep, that's right! We walked and discovered with him, skulls, vertebrae, ribs, and even most of the ribs of some small whales. It was just amazing!

As Truman Capote once said the longer you stay in CA the more IQ points you loose. I can understand why that might be, but I'll happily trade that for a chance to discover some of the amazing places and features we've been privileged to see so far.

We are wishing everyone a very wonderful and peaceful Thanksgiving with family and friends!

Love,

Sara, Nye and Archil