Newport

After six days in Chicago, we headed west to Newport Beach.  There, step-sister Shirley welcomed us to her lovely home in Newport Coast.  We enjoyed our stay there immensely.

The entrance to Shirley's gated community

Shirley's "condo" feels more like a detached home.

Wonderful mussels and clams (Shirley is an excellent cook)

But I made the salad.

The sunset view from Shirley's terraced patio

We dined al fresco in the warm evening air.

Tove enjoys the night in Newport.

Ambience

If you have never been to Crystal Cove State Park between Newport and Laguna, GO.  Especially fun is the restaurant, "The Beachcomber Cafe" right on the beach!

See the restaurant (Red roof, umbrellas)?

The shanties and bungalows were built by "squatters" on public land.  They are now owned by the State and rented out  by the week to the public.

The beach is nice and less crowded than the city beaches nearby.  The water temp was about 72!

Beautiful Day