the giant Connect Four game of 6-18-17

With thanks to Tony's Pizzaria in Ventura, CA.

shoe?

Sometimes a rock on the beach resembles a shoe.

Boathouse at Hendry's Beach

 

The famous Boathouse at Hendry's Beach. In many ways this place is the local equivalent of Schooners in Monterey.

Santa Barbara Airport

It took me 54 years to set foot in the Santa Barbara Municipal Airport, but it finally happened.

Tipuana tree

A Tipuana tree in Carpinteria, CA. Beautiful canopy for sure, but these South American imports are controversial for their shallow roots that make the pavement go askew. According to the local paper, some of them will be removed.

Rocky Mountains

 

The Rocky Mountains as seen from the train - first in Colorado (above) and later in New Mexico (below).

the Great Hall

The Great Hall of Chicago Union Station, seen from a different angle than the other photos posted on this blog.

Hudson River

The Hudson River, as seen from the train, but from a different angle than the other photos posted on this blog.

azalea

Sometimes a mass of blooming azalea shrubs is about the same size as a car.

Bayville beach

The beach I always call Bayville beach, but which apparently goes by another name. As a kid I used to play miniature gold across the street from here.

 

some unusual clouds

 

Some unusual clouds, perhaps resembling Portuguese man-o-war jellyfish, seen from the train in New Mexico.

California bush sunflower

The ubiquitous California bush sunflower - Encelia californica, Asteraceae family - that I saw a lot of this past spring.

PCH on a bike

Then there was the approximately nine mile bike ride along the PCH to the Faria Beach Cafe, which I did more than once. 

more botanical exotica

I don't even know the name of this one. It was in the succulent section and unlike anything I have ever seen.