Victoria Beach Day

Another day trip we took from Palm Springs was to the beach! Beth baked a quiche and packed us a picnic dinner and then we drove the 2 hours to Victoria Beach. As with anywhere in California, figuring out parking and finding the hidden staircase that led down to the beach was a little tricky, but all the work and hassle of getting there was more than worth it, especially since we arrived right at the magic golden hour.

We even caught a rare glimpse of Ariel as we were setting up our picnic spot

Victoria Beach is most well known for it's pirate tower. People aren't allowed in the tower, but it make for a fun beach setting and unique photos. I think half of California was taking family pictures the day we were there.

V could not wait to get her toes in the water! We snuck up slowly, the anticipation of the cold waves growing as we got closer and closer.

Then we got that one of a kind rush you can only get from the freezing ocean splashing up over your toes, then receding and leaving your feet buried in the wet sand.

V was in heaven

Then it was Monty's turn to experience the beach and the ocean for the very first time! He was NOT a fan of the water and employed baby ninja moves to keep his feet and legs out of the water anytime anyone held him close to the waves.

I have so much fun with this adorable gal pal of mine!

Turns out, Monty is the same kind of beach person as I am. The kind of person that loves to  enjoy the beach from a picnic blanket, with snacks in hand, soaking in the beautiful  sights, sounds, and smells of the ocean, a safe distance away from the tide.

Our beautiful and delicious picnic quiche dinner.

We watched as the busy crowds and photography groups cleared out and the sun slowly dropped behind the horizon.

Monty gave us the cutest pictures. We have one of these pricelessly adorable photos of the three of us from several of our excursions from the trip.

Monty sat on my lap and I rocked us back and forth slowly as we enjoyed the sunset and the feel of the ocean breeze in our hair. It was bliss.

After the sun had gone down, it got pretty cold and dark, so it was time to pack up and drive home. The walk up the staircase back to the road felt like we were entering Narnia.

We stopped by Starbucks to get warm drinks to warm us up for the drive home. They tasted so good after getting our clothes wet in the ocean and then getting chilled after the sun set. I also couldn't resist getting their seasonal sugar plume tart as a little road trip treat. To be honest, it was just alright, but I still enjoyed it. Especially with my nice, warm medicine ball tea. 

We drove by some pretty fun Christmas lights on our drive home!