On Tuesday we braved I-5 during rush hour and drove north about 50 miles to the Newport Beach Temple. This is one of the Church's small temples, the ones you need an appointment to attend. Our appointed session was at 10:00 AM, so we had plenty of time to check out the grounds and be in our seats without rushing.
I guess the people of what would ultimately become this temple district petitioned the Church repeatedly to have a temple built nearer to them, and in order to dissuade them the Church leaders told them they could have the temple if they raised the money, thinking that would be the end of it. Within a very short time period (30 days rings a bell) the stake presidents called the brethren and announced that they had the money.
As you can see, the architecture is quite unique, and reflective of the Spanish heritage of the region. The building all granite and stone, quite striking.
I thought the use of arches was quite effective at the entrance. The interior, which of course I have no photos of, utilizes dark wood and most amazing reconstructions of heirloom chests and cabinets. The ones in the celestial room were absolutely breathtaking.
Here is the proof that the traveling Eves were actually there. The sun was in the process of coming out, and the sky was "bluing up" quite nicely for us while we attended to more important things inside this beautiful edifice.
This plant caught the eye of the ladies due to its interesting texture. The grounds were beautiful and utilized some different materials than we ever see in Utah.
Following our session we had plans to have a nice lunch harbor-side in Dana Point. Of course we had all brought a change of clothing and had planned to find a place to change once we exited the temple. Wonder of wonder, once we got into the parking lot, Bubby slide her skirt off to reveal that her shorts had been put on in the temple dressing room. She was ready to go.
The rest of us ducked into an LDS Institute that was connected to a building across the parking lot from the temple. Fortunately, we prevailed on the custodian to let us use the restrooms for our quick change.
Lunch on the harbor was lovely, but the food was unremarkable, except that Bubby had an enormous calamari steak that was enough to share. Served with cold slaw and asparagus, she enjoyed her meal. I had some shrimp tacos and lots of DC, so I was happy with our choices.
Following the lunch, we went down to the beach to walk along the harbor, and just see what is going on. When we used to visit the Newhouses they always talked about going out on their son-in-law's boat that resides in the Dana Point harbor, so this location was significant to us. The boat in the photo was interesting, but not the variety that Rich goes fishing on.
Of course there was other vegetation to photograph. I doubt that Aunt B will ever see it, but I was thinking about her when I took this shot.
The big event of the afternoon was watching the waves crash over the jetty in an amazing display. We understand that there was an earthquake in New Zealand that set up tsunamis for much of the Pacific. They arrived on the California coast while we were here, and we have spent much of the last couple of days watching the watery fireworks.
Here is my attempt at an action shot with our little pocket camera. I needed my SLR, but at least our readers can get the idea.
Once we returned to O-side, we made for the pool for some hot tub time, and a quick dip. We ended the day playing cribbage and eating whatever was in our combined pantries (snack foods) for dinner. Just another lovely day in paradise.
Buboppy
No comments:
Post a Comment