1289. Idyllic Beach

“1289. Idllic Beach” Watercolor painting by Mariko Irie

This location is in the southern part of MacKerricher State Park, California, very near the town of Fort Bragg.

I’ve been to this beach many times, and it’s rare to see other people. It’s a wonderful place to meditate and connect with yourself. You probably won’t have cell phone reception here, which is perfect for taking a break from devices. Listen to the waves and birds, and feel the Earth’s vibration with deep breaths. You might just find the answers you’re looking for.

“1289. Idllic Beach” Watercolor painting by Mariko Irie

1128. Peaceful Tender Evening

One day I worked at Northcoast Artists Gallery from 11am.

I was able to leave the gallery 4:17pm, earlier than usual, which I was happy about.

I drove down south to get on Hwy 128.

Oh no, the road was closed because the Novaro River had been flooded. It was not a rainy day!?

I didn’t want to go back to Mendocino to get on the Comptche Ukiah Road to get to Hwy 128.

It was close to sunset. I thought it would be nice to enjoy sunset along Hwy1 where I didn’t travel for years.

The sun peeking through Big clouds was beautiful, and I enjoyed the pinkish sky of this scene.

Soon it got dark and heavy fog rolled in, making it hard to drive on a road I didn’t know well.

It was pitch dark, not many cars were driving. I followed the road not expecting such a sharp u-turn, it was shocking.

I was anxious of missing the Bodega Bay turn to get Santa Rosa or Petaluma, not wanting to go all the way to SF.

It was a such slow drive in the heavy fog and the pitch dark of a winter evening that I couldn’t figure out where I was, only that I was on Hwy 1. My navigator didn’t have reception.

I saw cars in a State Park entrance parking lot. I drove in and asked how to get Santa Rosa, finding via Petaluma was a better way to get home to Sonoma.

I got Trader Joe’s, Petaluma before they closed, to shop there. After that no fog, everything normal, smooth driving to get home. Happy ending😊.