Last sunset + best new playgrounds of 2023
Last sunset + best new playgrounds of 2023
A tiny hike at one of the "finest birdwatching sites in North America"
Our family tradition is to make time for watching the last sunset of the year. Whether from the beach (we’ve been foiled by fog before) or our driveway, we pause as a family and look back on our year with the last day ending while we watch.
Sometimes we even catch the first sunrise of the next year and wonder at what’s to come. Or sometimes we observe the first sunset of the year and try making it a habit to watch more sunsets. Sending you my heartfelt gratitude for being part of this community and prioritizing play for your kids.
Quick note about high surf! There are low tides and reasons to go to put your toes in the sand because of time off, but I just wanted to report that I was out and about in Laguna Beach yesterday and some of the conditions were extremely hazardous. The waves near Heisler Park were strong, but not huge. However, we still saw two beachgoers get their shoes washed away in the surf. The waves at Aliso Beach Park were HUGE and smashy. Even if you are standing in dry sand a large set can come through and sweep you off your feet. So be extremely cautious, especially with wandering kids. Pay attention to the tides, keep a safe distance, and never turn your back on the ocean!
From a 12/27/23 Daily Pilot article: “Stay away from the water’s edge,” Gonsalves repeated. “Stay off the rocks. I can’t tell you how many times we’ve had casualties because people want to get a close look at the big waves and get out there on this big rocks. Stay behind the wall, use a camera with a long lens, but stay away from the water’s edge. It’s dangerous.”
I have a history of working with Heather from OCParentGuide since we met when she was first starting out. She approached me about a month ago about teaming up for an end of the year post about the new playgrounds that have popped up in 2023. We thought it would be a “Top 5” sort of post. But as we researched and planned, we figured out it was close to 20 playgrounds that were updated this year. We just released the “Best New Playgrounds of 2023 - Part 1” and Part 2 is coming VERY soon (definitely before the year is over)!
I thought I’d include the links to the blog posts and coverage of the parks from Part 1 here so you can find them easily. I’ll do the same when Part 2 comes out.
Tiny Hikes Teaser: This week’s tiny hike is a place where you can experience all types of weather in one day, which changes the views and wildlife you might find here. You have a good chance of seeing some birds here and spotting the yellow blooms of the native coast sunflower, too. Take it slow because it’s a short hike with a lot of little things to see.
The family-friendly trail guide for this week’s tiny hike is hiding behind the paywall below. It’s the only part of this weekly email that requires a small subscription fee since SO MUCH work and scouting (gas money!) goes into creating it!
If making more nature connections with the children in your life is your goal for the new year, I hope you consider the investment for $5/month or $39/year (a 35% savings on a year since it would normally cost $60 at $5/month). It’s like nothing else you’ll find anywhere out there. Consider subscribing now to see Trail Guide #13!
Read more about it and find out if it’s a good fit for you & your family here.