Tuesday, February 21, 2012

Scenic California Coast and the Cutest Darn Mardi Gras Cupcakes

These are just some shots from the car driving up the coast  on a foggy morning to see the sea lions. 
On one side you have rolling hills and barns 


and on the other side of the highway you have the Pacific. Truly the most beautiful place in the world to me. My inlaws are getting up in years and may sell Elle Cottage someday and we will miss coming here so often. We will come but we will be renting houses like we used to do many years ago.


We love to visit the sea lions as this is their haul out area and the males, cows an pups are all scattered in the hundreds along the beach. Mating season brings the big boys out and they fight for territory on the beach. Fascinating to see.


They stretch all down the beach. Q says it stinks there. It does a little but it is so worth the sight.


Oh, and I had to share these. A Spoonful Of had these on her blog and I just thought they were perfect for Mardi Gras. She makes some great baked goods. Go over and check these out.




13 comments:

  1. Elaine
    Your ocean photos make me wish I was there. I haven't seen any of those rolli-polli sea lion since we traveled the inside passage years ago.

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  2. I've had the opportunity to take the costal highway from S.F. to Monterey . It is absolutely beautiful. We did see several sea lions, but not quite that many. The cupcakes are absolutely perfect for today. Hugs! Bonnie

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  3. I want to visit Cali!!!! I love the photos of the sea lions, I can't believe how many there were. I am going to have to do some "vacation" reseach.
    I can imagine that you will miss the cottage, hopefully they won't sell it for a long time.
    Thanks for the cupcake feature, your to sweet. They were easy and fun to make. I've been slacking in the creative department and wanted to do something fun for Mardi Gras.
    Have a great night.

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  4. We have family in Santa Maria and San Luis. Love it up there!!!

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  5. Amazing pictures. I think it would be an interesting sight to see.
    Cute cupcakes. How fun to have them multi-colored.

    Hope this week is a great one for you:)

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  6. Nice photos, Elaine. How long do the sea lions stay there? Do they live there year round? I bet they are fun to watch.

    xo,
    RJ

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  7. Hi Elaine,
    A drive up the coast sounds wonderful! I'd love to see the sea lions and beautiful scenery. Glad you had a nice time. And, those baked goods look yummy!
    -Lynn

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  8. Glad to see the red polka dots back! :)

    Those sea lions are just great--all laying about and sunning themselves!

    And those cupcakes are really pretty!

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  9. Wow! seems idealic. Take me with you!!!!

    Sharon @ mrs. hines class

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  10. Morning Elaine,
    Love your new blog face, simply beautiful...........
    What a lovely drive and those sea lions oh my goodness, what a fun sight. Thanks for sharing it with us.
    and those cupcakes look amazing. Now I am hungry.......might have to go scavenge the kitchen soon!

    Hope all is well with you hon,
    Blessings, Nellie

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  11. Ah, this makes me miss living in California. I took a trip up the coast when I was living there and the scenery is simply glorious. You're right - it's hard to top. So glad you had a good time!

    xo
    Claudia

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  12. I used to love taking that drive when we lived in California. It was spectacular. What a wonderful trip you had.
    xo
    Laura

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  13. I really enjoy the California coast ;) :) Love and hugs from the ocean shores of CAlifornia, Heather :)

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