Van Life and landscape photography on the California coast in January
Returning to the California coast in my van, I’m filled with excitement to photograph it’s beauty and reconnect with my beloved camping beaches.
A full week of beach camping on the Central and Southern California Coast
After several months away, I finally made my way back to California from Texas, eager to reunite with the ocean. This road trip wasn't just about soaking in the sun and landscape photography; I also had appointments to attend and visits with friends and family lined up along the way. The anticipation of reconnecting with loved ones and the calming presence of the sea filled me with excitement as I hit the open road. Each stop along my journey reminded me of the deep connections I hold in this vibrant state, and I looked forward to embracing them all once again.
The Curlew and Sea Mist of Morro Strand State Beach
Reconnecting with the California Coast at Morro Bay
Taking JOY, my van, to Morro Bay feels like a homecoming as I head for my first stop on the California coast. This stretch of beach has become a familiar canvas over my five years of living the nomadic van life. From my campsite, I can stroll about two miles down the sandy shore to Morro Rock, though I typically don't go that far. Instead, I relish the journey, pausing to capture the quirks of nature—like a sand dollar adorned with a barnacle or the graceful movement of a Long-billed Curlew. Each step is an opportunity to explore reflections shimmering in the wet sand or to gauge the rhythm of the sea mist curling around Morro Rock.
Golden hour at sunset is my favorite time to take these walks, where the light bathes everything in a warm glow. On my first evening here, I opted for a minimalist approach, bringing just my 100-400 lens, ready to immerse myself in the thrill of photographing birds, this time, the Long Billed Curlew. This place, with its ever-changing shoreline and wildlife, never fails to fill my heart with joy and inspiration.
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Thornhill Broome Beach Camping-The Rocky One
After three nights camping at Morro Strand Beach, JOY and I travelled south about 3 hours to another beach I love returning to, Thornhill Broome. It’s another beach where you’re right on the edge of the sand with an unobstructed view of the Pacific Ocean and those tranquil sunsets every evening. There’s one thing to note about this campground however, the Pacific Coast Highway runs just over the chain link fence about 30 years from camp. The sound of the traffic doesn’t bother me at all, but some people will find it too objectionable. At night the traffic dies down tremendously.
Thornhill Broome is just north of Malibu and with the sad and catastrophic wildfires still burning in the LA area, I was unsure how that may affect access because all the homes along the PCH in Malibu had been early victims of the Palisades fire a week prior. It was extraordinarily windy the afternoon I arrived and happened to catch a strong gust in the video below.
Why was Thornhill Broome Campground Empty?
In years past, this popular campground was difficult to book, so when I first saw it empty when rounding the bend in the PCH from 2 miles away at Point Mugu, I wondered “what’s up with this?” No wonder I was able to get a campsite so easily when I booked it while in Morro Bay only two days prior. It was virtually empty. Only one other party camping here! Maybe it was due to the raging fires happening just south of me in the LA area. Or, my other visits were during Covid and many more people were out in RV’s vying for the few sites available. Could be both.
There’s also a third possibility; the rocks on the beach. There have always been lots of softball sized and larger rocks on this beach. They add to the uniqueness of this beach, not just for photography, but just listening to the sound of the rocks rolling around in the surf. You don’t hear that everywhere. Well, being my first visit here since the wild winter storms a year ago, I saw how much things have changed.
My campsite this time was #10. I used to camp in #1,#2 or #3 but they no longer exist! Campsites one through nine are wiped out, as nature reclaims part of herself. The storms also changed the beach in another way, as it seems that many many more of those rocks have been deposited making it difficult to access the surf unless you walk south a couple hundred yards where it’s possible to pick a path through them. All these rocks make this beach less appealing to families with children and people who want easier access to the water from their campsite.
My time here was short, two nights and one full day, which gave me two sunsets and two sunrises for photography. I didn’t do any sunrise photography out of laziness and because of the unappealing nature of the light at that location, that time of day. So, on my second morning, I just made the bed, coffee and got back on the road South through Los Angeles where active fires have traffic in a state of flux.
Carlsbad Beach Campground
Okay, so this was the only disappointment, if disappointment is even possible on the west coast. At Morro Bay I ran into another Vanlifer guy, Steve. In our short exchange he inspired me to try Carlsbad Beach State Campground. He had just stayed there a few days before. Also, I was heading to Carlsbad the next day anyway to visit a friend and some family.
Looking at the online registration, I could get the last “premium” site for $70 or, $55 for a site just across the narrow road that runs down the middle of the campground. Treating myself to a premium site, right on the beach sounded like the right thing to do since this was my final stop on the coast and I don’t know when I might be back again.
Assuming that for $68 (they give seniors a whopping $2 discount at all state campgrounds) that the site would have electricity to plug the van in. Nope. All the premium site got me was a commanding view of the beach 100 feet below me. So you’re not directly next to the beach camping here as it appears when looking at the campground on a map. The campground is on a bluff above the beach. Had I been only slightly more inquisitive, that feature would have been revealed. It wouldn’t have changed my decision to stay there though because I’m in Carlsbad mainly to see some of my peeps.
Leo Carrillo Ranch Historic Park
On my second day in Carlsbad, visiting Leo Carrillo Ranch Historic Park was a delightful experience. My son and his partner picked me up from my campground, and the three of us set off to explore the unique blend of history and nature that Leo Carrillo Ranch offers. With its picturesque adobe buildings and stunning landscapes, we wandered through the ranch, appreciating the lush gardens and rich history of the area.
After soaking in all that beauty, we met up with my friend Pam, adding to our group's joy. The day culminated in a fabulous Thai dinner, where we shared laughs and delicious dishes, making it a perfect end to our adventure of the day and my time on the west coast.
Tomorrow I head East to The Fountain of Youth
The Fountain of Youth RV Resort is such a fabulous place to stay in the middle of… not much. For me, the draw is; the hot mineral pools and private soaking tubs. Photographically, there’s an abundance of opportunity within a 10 minute drive at Bombay Beach on the Salton Sea, full of every changing art installations. I’ll tell you a lot more about that with many photos, next time.
Watch this space…
Shooting Fall Colors in Texas
Lost Maples Natural Area
Early fall color at Lost Maples Natural Area
In the past week, I’ve had the pleasure of embarking on two lovely adventures specifically aimed at photographing the stunning fall colors. First, I traveled to the enchanting East Texas region to capture the serene beauty of the Cypress swamp, where vibrant hues of orange, yellow, and red reflected beautifully in the still water. This week, I had the opportunity to explore the picturesque hill country of Southwest Texas at Lost Maples Natural Reserve, where the diverse foliage painted a breathtaking landscape that was nothing short of awe-inspiring. Who knew Texas could be so incredibly beautiful?
Spooky alcove in the cypress swamp from last week’s adventure.
It was somewhat surprising to me when the park ranger at Lost Maples mentioned that I was a little early for peak color this year. In the places where I’ve experienced fall colors before, specifically the eastern Sierra of California and Colorado, the vibrant hues have typically faded by now, falling into late November. He explained that due to this year’s weather patterns, it’s been unusually warm, and they haven’t had sufficiently cold nights to trigger the leaf change process properly. Interestingly, I was there just two nights ago, and we recorded the lowest temperature yet, which dipped down to 38 degrees. This should be enough to begin the change and initiate the stunning transformations I was looking forward to witnessing.
Even though I arrived a bit early for the peak color season, there was still an abundance of breathtaking beauty to be discovered during my hikes at Lost Maples. The vibrant hues of the foliage, although not at their most vivid, still created a stunning backdrop that enhanced the natural splendor of the area.
If you don’t mind, I’d also like to offer a shameless plus for my 2025 calendar, now available. It includes my favorite photos from epic locations I’ve captured in the past year!
Lost Maples Gallery
First Visit to Caddo Lake State Park
My intention was to create dark, mysterious images that evoke a sense of intrigue and curiosity in the viewer. Through careful composition and lighting choices, I sought to capture the haunting beauty of the cypress swamp.
Capturing the Mystique of Caddo Lake: An Epic Photography Trip
Caddo Lake, located on the border of Texas and Louisiana, is a destination that has long intrigued photographers, nature lovers, and adventurers alike. Known for its enigmatic atmosphere and stunning natural beauty, the lake is adorned with majestic Bald Cypress trees that rise from the water like ancient sentinels. My journey to Caddo Lake was a much-anticipated bucket-list item, allowing me the opportunity to immerse myself in some of nature’s world of the bizzare. After a four-and-a-half-hour drive from Austin, I arrived at Caddo Lake ready to embrace everything it had to offer.
The Campground Experience
Upon my arrival, I set up camp in the designated campground, which would serve as my home base for three nights. The camp was well-maintained and conveniently located just a short walk from the edge of Mill Pond. This proximity was invaluable, providing easy access to the water and the iconic landscapes I intended to capture. The sound of the wind rustling through the trees created a peaceful atmosphere, setting the stage for the photographic adventures that lay ahead.
Cypress at Mill Pond
First Evening: A Guided Boat Tour
On my first evening, I decided to hire a local guide for a boat tour. Captain Danny was recommended and he only guides photographers so he’s experienced and will take you to the good stuff. This decision proved to be a pivotal moment in my trip. As I boarded the boat, I was filled with anticipation about the sights and experiences that awaited me. Captain Danny was happy to answer my many questions about the area and took me along the winding waterways among the cypress, exploring the unique ecosystems of Caddo Lake.
On my afternoon/sunset shoot with Captain Danny.
The first thing that struck me was the overwhelming presence of wildlife. Egrets, blue heron, and cormorants flitted gracefully through the air, while the stillness of the water provided a perfect backdrop for photographing these elegant birds. The interplay of the setting sun with the reflections on the water created stunning images that felt almost otherworldly.
Lovely pair of egrets
Treetop full of cormorant
A hawk encounter-good omen according to Native American lore.
As we journeyed further into the heart of the lake, I was fortunate enough to glimpse several larger birds of prey. A bald eagle soared overhead, its wings spread wide, while a hawk perched majestically on a nearby cypress branch. Capturing these moments required patience and a keen eye, but the thrill of witnessing such magnificent creatures in their natural habitat made it all worthwhile. Each click of the shutter felt like a tribute to the beauty unfolding before me.
The Colorful Fall Foliage
One of the highlights of my trip was the vibrant fall foliage that surrounded Caddo Lake. That’s what I really went there for. The rich colors of yellow, orange, and red provided a stunning contrast against the gray-blue of the eerie spanish moss hanging gracefully from the cypress trees. Each tree seemed to have a story to tell; their twisted roots and gnarled branches added an element of mystique to the scenery. I spent hours wandering the trails and exploring the lakeside, searching for the perfect composition to encapsulate the essence of this enchanting place.
Haunting Alcove
Be sure to visit the Caddo Lake Gallery for more photos!
As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting an ethereal glow across the landscape, I found myself captivated by the sheer beauty of Caddo Lake. The twilight transformed the environment, creating a magical palette that seemed to breathe life into the stillness. The reflective surface of the water mirrored the kaleidoscope of colors above, inviting me to take more photographs and capture the fleeting moment.
The Search for Morning Mist
One of my primary hopes for this trip was to experience a low mist over the water at dawn. I envisioned a serene landscape where the fog would gracefully embrace the towering cypress trees, adding an element of mystery to my images. However, despite my vision, the weather during my visit never became cold enough to produce that desirable mist. This was a small disappointment but did not detract from the overall experience.
Instead, the sunrises were equally beautiful in their own way. I woke early each morning, coffee in hand, to observe the changing light and its impact on the lake. The stillness of the mornings, combined with the soft glow of sunlight breaking through the trees, presented new photographic opportunities. I focused on capturing the beauty of the cypress trees, their reflections in the water, and the delicate interplay of light and shadow.
Reflecting on the Experience
The three days spent at Caddo Lake were deeply fulfilling, both personally and creatively. The combination of beautiful landscapes, abundant wildlife, and the tranquil atmosphere provided an ideal setting for photography. Each moment spent on the lake felt like a gift, rewarding my dedication and passion for capturing the beauty of the natural world.
Despite the absence of the mist I had hoped for, the experience was not hindered. Instead, it encouraged adaptability and creativity in my photography. I found images emerging from moments I hadn’t initially anticipated—the golden light filtering through the trees, the gentle ripples of the water under a soft breeze, and the playful dance of birds across the sky.
As I packed my gear into the van my last morning and prepared for the ride back home, I felt full. At the same time I feel that returning to Caddo Lake next Fall is something I need to put on the calendar now. It was that good!