A Little Outing ~ Balboa Island

Balboa Island

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We decided it was time for a little adventure away from the farm. The hay barn was full, which means the truck from the local feed store had just delivered and stacked about 60 bales of hay.

You see, we don't exactly have a North 40 or even a South 40 around here. So, cultivating and cutting hay isn't something we can do or know how to do, even though we sometimes think that might be terrific, especially if we had two beautiful black Percherons to help us. (but you've already heard about that fantasy ... click here for a little reminder.)

So, with all the feeders, water bowls, cat dishes, dog bowls filled and the horses turned out ... we were on our way along the Pacific Coast Highway to one of our favorite places ... Balboa Island.

After the usual drive-around to see the old time cottages, we were off to the ferry dock. It's a tradition around here. It takes about ten minutes on the ferry boat to go to the "other side" ... where all the fun stuff is.

Along the way we can see the once endangered California Brown Pelicans, who fancy sitting on docks and taking delight in selecting the most expensive boats that are moored in the harbor for their sun bathing perches.

Even though the ride is a short one,
the views are wonderful and the sea breezes so refeshing.

Kayla, of course, knows the procedure very well.
She has become a regular passenger.

In the distance can be seen the Balboa Pavillion dating from 1903,
a landmark for the area.

At the turn of the century, it was the scene of dances, parties
and all kinds of hilarity for the Los Angeles bunch.

This was the place to be, and this was no small excursion.
There was no ferry boat to shorten their trip.
They took a trolley or other historic means of travel to arrive at
what really was a fancy structure built on a very large pile of sand.

However, today, at the end of the ten minute ferry boat ride,
is the well know "fun zone" with rides, cotton candy
and, of course, fine dining at the old Pavillion.

This was our day to spend wandering the familiar walkways
... and a day away from the horses.

However, it seems we always manage to find them.

Finally, it was off to the beach to watch the surfers ...

And then we were headed back home
along the beautiful sea coast drive.

It really was a wonderful day!