Farewell California

For our last evening in California we went to celebrate our instructor Denise's birthday. 

We set out to the beach after a hard day's work at the farm. It was very windy and cold - our plans to light a fire seemed to have gone out the window. 

Whilst I had my winter coat on some of the others (including Manjeev) decided that the cold not withstanding they would go and play with a frisbee in the water. 

The sun set was breathtaking and the wind miraculously dropped. Suddenly, someone shouted 'Whales'. They were there, a whole group of them no more than 15-20m from us, swimming by the coast. We watched them for what seemed like a long while, peacefully swimming by. Soon, the whales were joined by dolphins that seemed closer still. 

They disappeared as the night fell. We lit a big bonfire allowing everyone to get warm (and dry for the brave ones who had jumped in the water - crazy people). We ate and danced around the fire right until the moment we knew we would be stranded by the tide if we stayed any longer. 

We could not have wished for a nicer way to end a rather extraordinary month in California and meeting fun and very special people. A few more pics below. 

with Denise and Pam in a yoga pause

with Baeleigh, Pam and Denise

with Lucie

with Denise...no comment!

Lucie & Melanie

the birthday girl & her lady bird

watching out for whales