Crystal Cove

IMG_0322, originally uploaded by cabanagirl.

Crystal Cove beach cottages

Crystal Cove beach cottages, originally uploaded by cabanagirl.

I walked into the secluded area, found a place for my beach chair and started to sketch. Many of the cottages are trimmed in this beachy turquoise blue

Crystal Cove cottages

IMG_0313, originally uploaded by cabanagirl.

Just south of Corona del Mar is a beautiful strip of coastline called "Crystal Cove". A little community of beach cottages is nestled below Pacific Coast Highway where up until a few years ago the cottages were occupied. The Irvine Company, owners of this coastline property, would not renew the leases and all occupants were forced to vacate. Then the cottages sat empty and neglected. Bad Joan Irvine,,,,,,,bad, bad, bad! A group called Crystal Cove Alliance has a mission to restore these old shacks to the point that they can be rented out. The group is also dedicated to preserving the historic uniqueness of this commune. These cottages are again "hot" property. If you are interested in vacationing here crystalcovebeachcottages.org. will tell you more. It is about as easy as getting a cabin reservation at the Ahwahnee hotel in Yosemite. But it is do-able. It just may take you back in time a bit like it did for me today

last cottage south

IMG_0315, originally uploaded by cabanagirl.

There are many that need to be restored before they fall down.

The dive shop

IMG_0318, originally uploaded by cabanagirl.

and some of the cottages have been beautifully renovated and are rented out.

Shake shack

IMG_0323, originally uploaded by cabanagirl.

and then up the stairs to the Shake Shack, famous for their date shakes and easily noticed by the bright yellow color. A few years ago "Ruby's" bought the famous landmark and painted it blue and white. They serve sandwiches, chips and, of course, shakes.