Perhaps the most common image of California is surfing the waves on California beaches. Here's my photo from one of my bike rides in Southern California! But, surfing and sunshine aren't the only images of California. Below I share images of northern California snow, wetlands as well as family from our visit to the Golden State.

Walking around your neighborhood just after a fresh snow is a special treat. We didn't even see any dear tracks in the snow as we tried to capture the "essence" of a new snowfall (whatever that is!). - photo left.

Here's another attempt at an "art" shot. This crane on the right is waiting for lunch to swim or fly by. He's quiet enough for me to "shoot" him!

I guess Mr. Stork wasn't content to wait for lunch. He's leaving to find another cafe! (left)

Those of you that know me know that I'm a sucker for a pretty bird or bright flowers, so here we are in my sister's back yard enjoying her view. (right)

I've been told this cutie is a wood duck. Hope you like him. This guy (left) was hanging out in Oregon. In fact, I think Brad was playing around with my camera and got this shot.

Winding paths are always a good theme. (right) In fact, I have a few of these in my selection!

I think these are pear blossoms, but pear, cherry or peach they're still beautiful. (left)

I did have fun with this one (right). Don't get dizzy looking at it.

It wasn't that hard to convince Brad to climb this tree for this "interesting" shot! (left) We had fun "hanging out" in Oregon.

Here's another great looking guy posing among the flowers (right), Seattle.

Back to the more prosaic nature scenes (left). Oregon is filled with rivers and streams in the springtime. This is part of the Rogue River system.

This view from Drew's living room doesn't seem too tough to take (right).

More southern California beach scenes before the Quest's crew leave for the South Pacific. (left)

Leaping Lizards! Oh no, it's leaping whales - or sort of... (right).

Perhaps nothing is quite so appealing to a grandfather than her little grand daughter's birthday party! We had fun watching a gaggle of little girls whiz around the new jungle gym. (left) That's Maddie in the bright pink shirt.

Somehow it's not fair to feature the birthday girl and not include her brother. Here's Ethan at 2 months!

This "cheat" shot of aquarium fish is just reflective of the photographer's desire to "be out there" having fun with her new underwater camera! (left)